Patna: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Wednesday, marking a significant political transition in the state.
The oath of office was administered by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain at the Governor’s residence, Bihar Lok Bhavan. Choudhary succeeds Nitish Kumar, who led the state for over a decade and is now set to move to the Rajya Sabha.
First BJP Chief Minister in Bihar
With this development, Samrat Choudhary becomes the first Chief Minister from the BJP in Bihar. His elevation signals a new phase in the state’s politics, marking the end of Nitish Kumar’s long-standing leadership era often associated with “good governance.”
Nitish Kumar had taken oath for a record 10th term as Chief Minister in 2025 after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a major victory in the Assembly elections.
Political Journey and Rise
The 57-year-old leader’s political journey spans over three decades. He began his career in the 1990s with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) before joining the BJP in 2018.
Coming from a political family, his father Shakuni Choudhary was a six-time MLA from Tarapur, while his mother Parvati Devi also represented the constituency in 1998.
Choudhary rose rapidly within the BJP, becoming the state president in 2023 and later serving as Deputy Chief Minister in 2024.
From Critic to Successor
Interestingly, before the BJP and JD(U) renewed their alliance in 2024, Choudhary was among the strongest critics of Nitish Kumar. In 2022, he had publicly vowed not to remove his saffron turban until Nitish Kumar stepped down from power.
Following the NDA’s victory in the 2025 Assembly elections, speculation grew over Nitish Kumar’s transition to national politics, paving the way for Choudhary’s elevation.
Support from NDA Leaders
Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Union Minister Chirag Paswan met Choudhary in Patna and extended his congratulations. In a message shared publicly, Paswan expressed confidence in Choudhary’s leadership, stating that Bihar would achieve new heights of development, governance, and prosperity under his tenure.
A New Chapter for Bihar
Choudhary’s appointment reflects the BJP’s growing influence in Bihar and signals a generational shift in leadership. Known for his strong connect with the OBC community and assertive political style, he is expected to play a key role in shaping the state’s future.
As Bihar enters a new political phase, all eyes will be on the new Chief Minister’s governance approach and policy direction in the coming months.
