Samrat Choudhary has been chosen as the new chief minister of Bihar, marking a major political shift in the state. His elevation follows the resignation of Nitish Kumar, who is set to move to the Rajya Sabha.
With this development, Choudhary becomes the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party to occupy the top post in Bihar, a state long dominated by Nitish Kumar's leadership for over two decades.
Who is Samrat Choudhary
Born on November 16, 1968, Samrat Choudhary is a seasoned politician with a long career in Bihar politics. He has served in multiple key roles, including deputy chief minister and minister in various state departments.
He represents the Tarapur assembly constituency and has previously held positions such as leader of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council and president of the BJP's Bihar unit.
Choudhary comes from a political family, with his father, Shakuni Choudhary, also being an established political figure. Over the years, he has built a strong grassroots presence, particularly in the Munger region.
Political journey and rise in BJP
Choudhary began his political career in the 1990s and was earlier associated with parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal (United) before joining the BJP.
His rise within the BJP has been steady, culminating in his appointment as deputy chief minister in 2024. He handled important portfolios such as finance, urban development, and panchayati raj during his tenure.
He is also considered an influential OBC leader, which is seen as a key factor in his selection as chief minister, reflecting the party's strategy to broaden its social base.
A major political shift in Bihar
Choudhary's appointment signals a new phase in Bihar politics, with the BJP taking direct leadership of the state government. The party, which is the single-largest in the assembly, elected him as its legislative party leader, clearing the path for his swearing-in as chief minister.
His leadership will be closely watched as he takes charge after a long period dominated by Nitish Kumar.

