Samrat Choudhary Takes Oath as Bihar’s 24th Chief Minister, Marking Historic BJP-Led Era

Patna, April 2026 : In a landmark political development, Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as the 24th Chief Minister of Bihar, ushering in a new chapter in the state’s political history. For the first time, a government led directly by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has assumed power in Bihar, marking a significant shift in the state’s leadership dynamics.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at Lok Bhawan in Patna, where Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath of office and secrecy to Choudhary. Soon after, senior leaders from the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U))—Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Vijendra Prasad Yadav—were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, reflecting the coalition arrangement within the ruling alliance.

Before formally assuming office, Choudhary visited a Hanuman temple in Rajvanshi Nagar, seeking divine blessings. The gesture was seen as both a reflection of his personal faith and a symbolic beginning to his tenure as Chief Minister.

This major political transition follows the resignation of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who stepped down after a long and influential tenure to move to the Rajya Sabha. His departure paved the way for the BJP to take direct leadership of the state for the first time.

Samrat Choudhary’s political journey spans over three decades. He entered active politics in 1990 and rose steadily through the ranks, becoming Bihar’s Agriculture Minister in 1999. He represented the Parbatta Assembly constituency and secured victories in both the 2000 and 2010 elections. In 2010, he was appointed Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, marking an important milestone in his career.

Since 2018, Choudhary has emerged as a prominent BJP leader in Bihar. His stature within the party grew significantly in 2019 when he was appointed State Vice President under the leadership of Nityanand Rai. However, it was during the political upheaval triggered by Nitish Kumar’s break from the BJP to form a Mahagathbandhan government that Choudhary gained widespread recognition.

At the time, serving as Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Choudhary made a symbolic vow that captured public attention—he pledged not to remove his traditional ‘Muraittha’ (turban) until Nitish Kumar was unseated as Chief Minister. This gesture became a defining element of his political persona and underscored his commitment to his party’s cause.

In 2023, he was appointed BJP State President, further cementing his leadership credentials. When Nitish Kumar later returned to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Choudhary was appointed Deputy Chief Minister and was entrusted with the Home Department, marking a significant expansion of his administrative responsibilities.

His deputies also bring considerable political experience to the new government. Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, born in 1957 in Samastipur, has had a long and steady career in politics. A postgraduate in History from Patna University, he began his professional life at the State Bank of India before entering politics. Initially associated with the Congress, his move to JD(U) in 2005 proved pivotal. Over the years, he has held key roles, including party spokesperson and State President, and is widely regarded for his clean image and balanced administrative approach.

Vijendra Prasad Yadav, a veteran leader often described as the “Chanakya” of Kosi region politics, remains an influential figure even at 79. A consistent electoral winner since 1990, he has built a strong support base in the Supaul Assembly constituency. Known for his developmental focus, particularly in strengthening power infrastructure in districts like Supaul, Saharsa, and Madhepura, Yadav has played a crucial role in improving electricity access in the Kosi region.

This leadership transition represents a defining moment in Bihar’s political evolution. With Samrat Choudhary at the helm and experienced leaders supporting him, the new government faces the dual challenge of sustaining development momentum while meeting heightened public expectations. The coming months will be crucial in shaping how this unprecedented BJP-led administration charts Bihar’s future.