Patna: Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as the 24th chief minister of Bihar on Wednesday, becoming the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold the post in the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Lok Bhawan in Patna, in the presence of senior leaders including Nitish Kumar.
JD(U) leaders take oath as deputy CMs
Alongside Choudhary, senior JD(U) leaders Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary were sworn in as deputy chief ministers, reflecting the coalition arrangement within the NDA government.
Several prominent leaders, including Upendra Kushwaha and Jitan Ram Manjhi, were present at the ceremony, along with senior officials.
A historic political milestone
Choudhary’s elevation marks a significant milestone in Bihar politics, as he becomes the first BJP leader to assume the chief minister’s office in the state.
He also joins a rare group of leaders who have moved directly from the post of deputy chief minister to chief minister — a transition last seen when Karpoori Thakur took office in 1977 after serving as deputy chief minister in 1967.
‘Opportunity to serve’: Choudhary
Speaking after being elected as leader of NDA, Choudhary said the BJP had given him an opportunity to serve the state, noting his nearly three-decade-long political career.
“I have learned a great deal from Nitish Kumar Ji. We will work together to fulfil the vision of a prosperous Bihar and contribute to the nation’s progress,” he said.
Reactions from allies
Chirag Paswan congratulated Choudhary, expressing confidence in his leadership.
He said the new chief minister would take Bihar “to the next stage of development” and continue the progress made under Nitish Kumar, while acknowledging the latter’s transition towards a larger national role.
Transition in Bihar politics
The formation of the new government signals a major political shift in Bihar, with the BJP assuming the chief minister’s role for the first time while continuing its alliance with the JD(U).
Observers say the development could reshape the state’s political landscape, as the new leadership takes charge amid expectations of continuity and change.
