Bihar's chief minister-designate Samrat Choudhary, set to replace Nitish Kumar, has witnessed a meteoric rise in the BJP since joining nine years ago. The 57-year-old leader, known for his organisational skills and being a team player, will become the BJP's first chief minister in the state.
Choudhary, from the influential Koeri community, entered politics in 1990 as an RJD member. He was first inducted as agriculture minister in 1999, but was removed due to age issues. He won the Parbatta constituency in 2000 and completed a five-year term.
Choudhary joined the JD(U)-led government in 2014 and served as urban development minister. He switched to the BJP in 2017 and became state vice-president a year later. He was a strong critic of Nitish Kumar and wore a turban as a vow to unseat him.
In 2023, Choudhary was appointed state BJP president, and after Kumar returned to the NDA in 2024, he was named deputy chief minister. Choudhary's rise took another leap after the 2025 Bihar assembly polls, where he won from his family bastion Tarapur and retained his deputy CM post.
Many political observers believe Choudhary's rise is due to his ability to work as a team man and his understanding of Bihar politics. His journey was not without controversy, with issues raised about his age and alleged involvement in criminal cases.
Choudhary will aim to transform Bihar into a BJP stronghold while accommodating allies like the JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party, and smaller allies. His clout and growing stature in the party can be seen in Union home minister Amit Shah's promise to make him a 'big man', which has come true.
