'PM Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar Model Will Prevail in Bihar': Samrat Choudhary After Taking Oath As Chief Minister

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Samrat Choudhary took oath as the 21st Chief Minister of Bihar on April 15. This marked a decisive political reset in Bihar, as this is the first time that a BJP leader is taking charge as the Chief Minister of Bihar and bringing the curtain down on Nitish Kumar’s two-decade-long dominance. After taking oath as the new CM of the state, Samrat Choudhary said that only the PM Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar model will prevail in the state. He vows to carry forward development & good governance under PM Modi's leadership.

Speaking with the reporters on April 15, CM Samrat Choudhary says, "Today, I have gone to assume the post of Chief Minister for the prosperity of Bihar, and from today itself, I will begin working for Bihar. Let it be clear that in Bihar, only the PM Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar model will prevail."

Patna, Bihar: CM Samrat Choudhary says, "Today, I have gone to assume the post of Chief Minister for the prosperity of Bihar, and from today itself I will begin working for Bihar. Let it be clear that in Bihar, only the PM Narendra Modi and Nitish kumar model will prevail." pic.twitter.com/CjDjHqUv9H

— IANS (@ians_india) April 15, 2026

Choudhary took the oath of office at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the ceremony in the presence of senior BJP leaders and alliance partners. The development came soon after JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, currently serving as a Rajya Sabha MP, resigned as Chief Minister on Tuesday and dissolved his Cabinet. In the outgoing administration, Choudhary held the post of Deputy Chief Minister and managed the key Home portfolio, making him one of the most influential figures in the government. His elevation reflects both administrative experience and political backing within the ruling alliance.

Having joined the BJP in 2017, Choudhary was unanimously chosen as the leader of the party’s legislative wing on Tuesday. The BJP currently stands as the largest party in the 243-member Bihar Assembly with 89 legislators. His appointment also carries significant caste implications in the state’s intricate political structure. Choudhary becomes only the second leader from the influential Koeri community to assume the Chief Minister’s position. Before him, Satish Prasad Singh briefly held the post in 1968, though his tenure lasted just five days after his coalition collapsed when Congress withdrew support.

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Choudhary now joins a select group of Bihar leaders, including Bharat Ratna recipient Karpoori Thakur, who have served as both Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister. His political journey spans nearly three decades, beginning with a short and controversial stint as a minister in 1999. At the time, he was inducted into the cabinet by Rabri Devi, reportedly as a reward after his family shifted allegiance from the Samata Party to the RJD. However, his tenure ended abruptly when concerns over his age led to his removal following a complaint to Governor Suraj Bhan.

Despite the setback, Choudhary made a swift comeback by winning an election in 2000 and completing a full term, eventually rising to become the RJD’s chief whip. He parted ways with the party in 2014 and briefly served under Jitan Ram Manjhi before exiting again when Nitish Kumar returned to power. His decision to join the BJP in 2017 proved to be a turning point, as he steadily climbed the party ranks—from state vice president to state president—emerging as a prominent face in Bihar politics with strong support from the Koeri OBC community.

Once known as a vocal critic of Nitish Kumar, Choudhary later transitioned into a reliable ally within the NDA. Political observers note that his earlier vow to remove his signature turban only after dislodging Nitish Kumar symbolised a dramatic shift in his political journey. Appointed Deputy Chief Minister in 2024, he quickly consolidated his influence by taking charge of the crucial Home department. His electoral victory from Tarapur, coupled with strong backing from Amit Shah, further strengthened his standing, especially in the Hindi heartland where the BJP had not previously led a government.