Patna: In a brief but closely watched meeting, Nitish Kumar met Samrat Choudhary on Saturday at the chief minister’s official residence in Patna, marking their first face-to-face interaction since the recent change in leadership.
The meeting, held at Deshratna Marg, lasted around 20 minutes and comes amid heightened political activity in the state. According to officials, discussions touched on the current political climate in Bihar and at the national level, as well as administrative functioning.
Deputy chief ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Yadav were also present during the interaction, indicating a broader consultation within the state’s leadership.
जननेता, बिहार के लोकप्रिय पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री श्री @NitishKumar जी का आज मेरे सरकारी आवास पर आगमन हुआ। उनका अभिवादन स्वीकार्य कर मार्गदर्शन प्राप्त किया।#NDA4Bihar #NitishKumarji pic.twitter.com/pGSbcfyKd4
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) April 18, 2026
Photographs shared by Choudhary on social media showed the two leaders in a relaxed exchange, with Kumar appearing at ease. In one image, Kumar is seen placing his hand on Choudhary’s shoulder — a gesture the chief minister described as reflective of the guidance he sought from his predecessor.
The state’s prohibition policy emerged as a key point of discussion. Choudhary reiterated that Bihar’s liquor ban would continue to be enforced strictly, describing it as central to Kumar’s governance legacy. He also referenced support for the policy from Narendra Modi.
However, the stance comes amid growing dissent from some quarters. Anant Singh has repeatedly called for the ban to be lifted, arguing that it has failed to curb alcohol consumption and may be driving people towards more harmful substances. Other leaders have echoed similar concerns, adding to an ongoing debate over the policy’s effectiveness.
For now, the government appears firm. Choudhary’s remarks suggest there is little appetite for any immediate review or relaxation of the prohibition law, signalling continuity in a policy that has long been a defining feature of Bihar’s political landscape.
