Patna: The portfolios of ministers in Bihar’s Nitish Kumar cabinet were officially allocated, with Samrat Choudhary assuming the pivotal role of Home Minister. A BJP legislator, Choudhary becomes the first from his party to hold the state’s top law-and-order portfolio since the BJP joined the Bihar government in 2005.
The party’s careful distribution of responsibilities highlights the significance of the Home Department. While Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha and Nitin Nabin were assigned two major portfolios each, Choudhary received sole responsibility for maintaining internal security.
Key responsibilities and powers
As Home Minister, Choudhary wields substantial authority over law and order in the state. His duties include:
- Complete oversight of police operations, from constables to the Director General of Police
- Direct authority to transfer IPS officers
- Control of prison administration
- Approval of VIP security arrangements
- Supervision of the Intelligence Bureau
- Partial oversight of District Magistrates and Commissioners
- Preparation of proposals for enacting or amending laws
Political analysts note that the role presents as many challenges as it does power. “The Home Minister’s agenda will be to enforce the rule of law. There will be zero tolerance for crime, corruption, and criminality,” said one expert. Observers also point out that the BJP’s focus on law and order, often framed in contrast to the Lalu family’s past administration, has shaped this appointment.
Portfolio allocation across the BJP
Reports indicate that 14 BJP ministers were assigned 21 departments in the cabinet reshuffle. Choudhary, who also serves as Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the BJP Legislative Party, previously held the Finance and Commercial Tax portfolios. His elevation is widely linked to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s campaign promise that he would be groomed for a prominent leadership role following his electoral victory.
