From ‘Underage Minister’ Row To Party Switches: Controversies Around Samrat Choudhary

One of the earliest controversies dates back to 1999, when Samrat Choudhary was appointed a minister in the government led by Rabri Devi.

BJP leader Samrat Choudhary

As Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary prepares to take oath as the state’s Chief Minister, his political journey has once again come into focus, marked by several controversies and sharp turns over the years. Samrat Choudhary, who was unanimously elected leader of the NDA legislature party, will become the first BJP leader to occupy the top post in Bihar. The development follows the resignation of Nitish Kumar after his election to the Rajya Sabha.

Read more: Samrat Choudhary Set To Be New Bihar Chief Minister: Check His Education, Net Worth

‘Underage Minister’ Controversy

One of the earliest controversies dates back to 1999, when Samrat Choudhary was appointed a minister in the government led by Rabri Devi. At the time of his swearing-in, he was neither a member of the Bihar Assembly nor the Legislative Council.

Read more: Turban Off, Crown On: The Meteoric Rise Of Bihar’s First BJP CM, Samrat Choudhary

The issue escalated when then Leader of Opposition Sushil Kumar Modi raised objections to his appointment. The matter intensified when then Governor Suraj Bhan ordered his dismissal and sought action over alleged irregularities. Samrat Choudhary eventually resigned from the post.

Read more: ‘Sacred Opportunity To Serve’: Samrat Choudhary’s ‘Pledge’ As BJP Picks Him To Lead Bihar

Party Switches And Political Realignments

Samrat Choudhary’s political career has also been marked by multiple shifts across parties. He began with the Rashtriya Janata Dal, later moved to the Janata Dal (United) and eventually joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has held ministerial roles in different governments over the years, including under Rabri Devi in 1999, Jitan Ram Manjhi in 2014 and most recently as deputy chief minister under Nitish Kumar since January 2024.

When Is Samrat Choudhary’s Swearing-In?

Bihar Chief Minister-designate Samrat Choudhary will take oath as the state’s new Chief Minister on Wednesday at 11am. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to be held at Lok Bhavan in Patna, where he is set to formally assume office following his election as leader of the NDA legislature party.

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