Bihar is witnessing a major political shift after JD(U) president and senior leader Nitish Kumar resigned from the post of Chief Minister. With Kumar moving to the Rajya Sabha and closing a two-decade-long chapter as CM, attention has now turned to his successor.
State Deputy Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Samrat Choudhary is set to take over the role after being chosen as the BJP's Legislative Party Leader.
Nitish Kumar stepped down on Tuesday after meeting Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and handing over his resignation. He later shared a message on X, reflecting on his years in office and the work carried out by his government.
As the leadership transition unfolds, Samrat Choudhary is preparing to take on greater responsibility. With this development, details from his election affidavit have come into focus, offering insight into his educational background, financial status and legal disclosures.
Educational qualification and income
According to his affidavit, Samrat Choudhary's highest qualification is a Doctor of Literature (Honorary), awarded by PFC, Kamaraj University.
For the financial year 2024 to 2025, his declared income stands at Rs 17,91,420. His wife's income for the same period is listed at Rs 12,73,160. The affidavit also mentions ancestral property valued at around Rs 8.20 crore.
Assets and investments breakdown
The affidavit provides a detailed account of both movable and immovable assets owned by Choudhary and his family, including investments and personal holdings worth several crores.
His financial investments include Rs 4.18 lakh in equity funds, Rs 5.23 lakh in HDFC Midcap Fund, and Rs 22.42 lakh in Nippon India Retirement Fund. In addition, he has investments in postal savings schemes.
A summary of assets as per the affidavit is as follows:
- Cash: Rs 1.35 lakh (Samrat Choudhary), Rs 35,000 (wife)
- Bank Deposits: Rs 13.27 lakh (Samrat Choudhary), Rs 6.76 lakh (wife)
- Total Movable Assets: Rs 99.32 lakh (Samrat Choudhary), Rs 27.89 lakh (wife)
- Total Real Estate: Rs 8.28 crore (Samrat Choudhary), Rs 1.08 crore (wife)
Personal assets and family holdings
Among his personal possessions, Samrat Choudhary owns a Bolero vehicle valued at Rs 7 lakh and an NP bore rifle. He and his wife jointly hold 200 grams of gold jewellery.
His stake in a Hindu Undivided Family is valued at Rs 4.27 lakh. Meanwhile, his two children have movable assets worth Rs 41.4 lakh and Rs 26.8 lakh respectively.
Legal cases declared
As per the affidavit, Samrat Choudhary has disclosed two cases registered against him. One case is at Kotwali police station in Patna and the other at Tarapur police station. Both relate mainly to alleged violations of prohibitory orders under Section 144 and the election code of conduct.