Samrat Choudhary Takes Oath as Bihar CM, BJP Era Begins

GG News Bureau
Patna, 15th April: Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday took oath as the 21st Chief Minister of Bihar, ushering in a major political shift as the Bharatiya Janata Party formed its first-ever government in the state.

The oath was administered by Governor Syed Ata Hasnain at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, attended by senior BJP leaders and alliance partners.

End of Nitish Era
The swearing-in marks the end of nearly two decades of political dominance by Nitish Kumar, who resigned a day earlier after dissolving his cabinet. Now a Rajya Sabha member, Kumar stepped aside, paving the way for a leadership transition within the NDA.

BJP’s Breakthrough in Bihar
With this development, the BJP—already in power across several Hindi heartland states—has, for the first time, secured the Chief Minister’s post in Bihar. The party holds 89 seats in the 243-member Assembly, making it the single largest party.

Caste and Political Significance
Choudhary’s elevation carries social and political significance, as he becomes only the second leader from the influential Koeri (Kushwaha) community to serve as Chief Minister after Satish Prasad Singh.

He also joins the ranks of leaders like Karpoori Thakur who have held both Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister positions.

Political Journey
The 57-year-old leader began his political career in the 1990s and has been associated with multiple parties, including the RJD and JD(U), before joining the BJP in 2017.

His rise within the BJP was swift—from state leadership roles to Deputy Chief Minister in 2024, where he handled the key Home portfolio. Backed by strong organisational support, including from Amit Shah, Choudhary emerged as the frontrunner for the top post.

A New Phase for Bihar
Choudhary’s appointment signals a new political phase in Bihar, with the BJP now leading governance in a state long shaped by coalition politics and shifting alliances.