Samrat Choudhary Takes Oath as Bihar’s 24th Chief Minister

BJP-Led Government Begins

Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as Bihar’s 24th Chief Minister on Tuesday, ending Nitish Kumar’s two-decade-long tenure. The oath ceremony took place at 11 AM at the German Hangar of Lok Bhawan. JDU leaders Vijay Choudhary and Vijendra Prasad Yadav also took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. This marks the first completely BJP-led government in the state.

Nitish Kumar Steps Down

The political transition followed Nitish Kumar’s resignation on Monday after he became a Rajya Sabha member. Mr Kumar had held the Chief Minister’s post for 20 years. Shortly after resigning, he posted on X, stating the new government would handle future work while assuring his full support for continued development.

Leadership Elected Unanimously

The NDA legislative party elected Samrat Choudhary as its leader on Tuesday. In a significant show of continuity, Nitish Kumar proposed Mr Choudhary’s name for the top post. Mr Kumar garlanded him and asked legislators to cheer for the new leader. Sources indicated the transition was smooth and consensus-driven.

Samrat Touches Nitish’s Feet

In a moment that captured political attention, Samrat Choudhary touched Nitish Kumar’s feet at the NDA meeting to seek blessings. “I have learned politics from Nitish ji. I have worked with him. His vision of a prosperous Bihar needs to be taken further ahead,” Mr Choudhary said after being elected.

‘Learned Governance From Nitish Ji’

Speaking to reporters after the oath, the new Chief Minister acknowledged his predecessor’s influence. “Nitish Kumar ji has taught me a lot. I have learned to run the government by staying with him,” Samrat Choudhary said. He added that the BJP gave him an opportunity to work after understanding PM Modi’s vision, and he has been continuously active since the 2015 elections.

Chirag Paswan Extends Support

Union Minister Chirag Paswan visited Samrat Choudhary at his residence to congratulate him. Mr Paswan said the new CM has maintained balance among all alliance partners and possesses strong capabilities. “The responsibility on all of us has increased, and we will fulfil it together,” Mr Paswan stated, confirming his party’s full support to the new administration.

Development Agenda Ahead

As per official statements, the new government plans to carry forward the development work initiated by Nitish Kumar. Samrat Choudhary affirmed that the coalition would work collectively to make Bihar prosperous. Several Chief Ministers and Deputy CMs from other states attended the ceremony. The swearing-in was administered by the Governor, with top NDA leaders present. Political analysts suggest the new leadership will focus on continuity in governance while consolidating the BJP’s organisational strength in the state.