Bihar is witnessing a significant political shift as Samrat Choudhary prepares to take the oath of office as the state's 24th chief minister. This move marks a historic moment, with Samrat Choudhary becoming the first BJP leader to hold the chief minister's post in Bihar. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday at 10:50 AM, where Governor Syed Ata Hasnain will administer the oath. The event will be attended by key NDA leaders, including BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union minister J.P. Nadda, and Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi.
The political transition follows the resignation of JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, who stepped down as CM on Tuesday after being sworn in as a Rajya Sabha member. The NDA legislators unanimously elected Samrat Choudhary as their leader in a meeting, signaling the new government's formation. After meeting with the Governor, Choudhary staked his claim to form the government. The induction of only three leaders initially hints at a "small cabinet," with future expansions expected next month. As of now, 33 ministerial posts will remain vacant following the ceremony.
The political shift also includes the induction of two deputy chief ministers from JD(U): Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav. This move signifies the continuing cooperation between BJP and JD(U), even as Nitish Kumar exits the stage after serving as Bihar’s longest-serving CM. His departure marks the end of an era, as he had been in office for 10 terms since 2005.
Samrat Choudhary's ascent to the top position within the NDA is viewed as a result of his steady political career, having originally started with RJD before joining the BJP in 2017. His election as CM is seen as a strategic choice after Nitish Kumar's exit and reflects the changing dynamics within Bihar’s political landscape.
This transition also came with emotional farewells, as Nitish Kumar paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his final day as CM and assured full cooperation to the incoming government. In contrast, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav mocked Choudhary, labeling him a “product of Lalu ji’s school” and questioning the legitimacy of the NDA's mandate, considering it contested elections under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. However, BJP leaders and workers expressed their enthusiasm, calling this a monumental moment for the party in Bihar's political scene. As Bihar’s political future unfolds, Samrat Choudhary's leadership and the ongoing NDA alliance will play a pivotal role in the state’s development and governance in the coming years.
