PATNA —Senior BJP leader Samrat Choudhary has been elected leader of the Legislative Party and subsequently leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state on Tuesday.
The decision was formalised during a meeting in the Central Hall of the Bihar Assembly in Patna, where Samrat Choudhary’s name was proposed and unanimously approved by the alliance members, marking a crucial transition in the state’s political leadership.
Outgoing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself proposed Choudhary’s name for the top post.
Addressing the NDA Legislature Party meeting, Nitish Kumar said, “I thank you all. As you are aware, I met with the Governor a short while ago and submitted my resignation. A new government will be formed subsequently. It is now up to you all to oversee the work here. The new government will have my full support and guidance.”
Following his election as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party and NDA, Samrat Choudhary is now all set to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.
Samrat Choudhary’s political journey is deeply rooted in a strong family background.
His father, Shakuni Chaudhary, has been a prominent figure in Bihar politics, having served multiple terms as both an MLA and an MP.
His mother, Parvati Devi, has also represented the Tarapur constituency as an MLA.
Interestingly, Samrat Choudhary began his political career with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) before later associating with the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) and eventually establishing himself within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He entered active politics in 1990 and went on to become the Agriculture Minister in Bihar in 1999.
Choudhary contested from the Parbatta assembly constituency in 2000 and 2010, winning both elections.
In 2010, he was appointed Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
Since 2018, he has emerged as a key BJP leader.
Samrat Choudhary gained significant prominence when Nitish Kumar broke ties with the BJP to form a Mahagathbandhan government.
At that time, Choudhary, serving as Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, made a symbolic pledge—vowing not to remove his Muraittha (traditional turban) until Nitish Kumar was unseated as Chief Minister.
This gesture became a defining moment in his political identity.
In 2023, Samrat Choudhary was appointed BJP State President, further solidifying his leadership role.
When Nitish Kumar later returned to the NDA fold, Choudhary became Deputy Chief Minister—also taking charge of the Home Department, a first for him. — With inputs from IANS
