{{Short description|Chief Minister of Bihar since 2026}} {{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}} {{Infobox officeholder | image = Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary(cropped).jpg | caption = Choudhary in 2026 | office = Chief Minister of Bihar | order = 24th | governor = Syed Ata Hasnain | term_start = 15 April 2026 | term_end = | predecessor = Nitish Kumar | successor = | deputy = Vijay Kumar Chaudhary <br /> Bijendra Prasad Yadav | office1 = Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar | alongside1 = Vijay Kumar Sinha | term_start1 = 28 January 2024 | term_end1 = 15 April 2026 | 1blankname1 = Chief Minister | 1namedata1 = Nitish Kumar | predecessor1 = Tejashwi Yadav | successor1 = Bijendra Prasad Yadav<br>Vijay Kumar Chaudhary | office2 = Cabinet Minister in Bihar | term2 = 28 January 2024 {{endash}} 14 April 2026<br />9 February 2021 {{endash}} 9 August 2022<br />19 May 1999 {{endash}} 16 November 1999 | 1blankname2 = Chief Minister | 1namedata2 = Nitish Kumar<br>Jitan Ram Manjhi<br>Rabri Devi | office5 = Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Legislative Council | term_start5 = 24 August 2022 | term_end5 = 20 August 2023 | 1blankname5 = Chief Minister | 1namedata5 = Nitish Kumar | predecessor5 = Rabri Devi | successor5 = Hari Sahni | office8 = Member of Bihar Legislative Council | term_start8 = 29 June 2020 | term_end8 = 14 November 2025 | constituency8 = ''Elected by the MLAs'' | term_start9 = 24 May 2014 | term_end9 = 6 January 2016 | constituency9 = ''Nominated'' | office10 = Member of Bihar Legislative Assembly | term_start10 = 14 November 2025 | predecessor10 = Rajeev Kushwaha | constituency10 = Tarapur | term_start11 = 24 November 2010 | term_end11 = 8 November 2014 | predecessor11 = Ramanand Prasad Singh | successor11 = Ramanand Prasad Singh | constituency11 = Parbatta | term_start12 = 2000 | term_end12 = 2004 | predecessor12 = Vidya Sagar Nishad | successor12 = Ramanand Prasad Singh | constituency12 = Parbatta | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|11|16|df=y}} | birth_place = Lakhanpur, Bihar, India | party = {{Party index link|Bharatiya Janata Party}} {{Small|(since 2017)}} | 1blankname = Departments<ref>{{cite news |last=Pathak |first=Subhash |title=Samrat retains home and general admin; BJP tightens grip in Bihar portfolio distribution |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/samrat-retains-home-and-general-admin-bjp-tightens-grip-in-bihar-portfolio-distribution-101776259444416.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=15 April 2026 |access-date=16 April 2026 }}</ref> | 1namedata = {{Collapsible list | •General Administration | •Home | •Cabinet Secretariat | •Civil Aviation | •Vigilance | •Election | Departments not allotted to any minister }} | other_party = {{Party index link|Janata Dal (United)}} {{Small|(2014-2017)}}<br>{{Party index link|Rashtriya Janata Dal}} {{Small|(1999-2014)}}<br>{{Party index link|Samata Party}} {{Small|(1990-1999)}} | spouse = Mamta Kumari | children = 2 | education = Madurai Kamaraj University | father = Shakuni Choudhary | mother = Parvati Devi | occupation = Politician | signature = | source = | footnotes = '''Cabinet Portfolios in the Government of Bihar''' ---- {{center|'''Minister of Home Affairs'''<br /> (20 November 2025 {{endash}} 14 April 2026) {{flatlist| * {{big|'''←'''}} Nitish Kumar * ''himself {{small|(as Chief Minister)}}'' {{big|'''→'''}} }}}} ---- {{center|'''Minister of Finance'''<br />(28 January 2024 {{endash}} 20 November 2025) {{flatlist| * {{big|'''←'''}} Vijay Chaudhary * Bijendra Yadav {{big|'''→'''}} }}}} ---- {{center|'''Minister of Sports'''<br />(28 January 2024 {{endash}} 15 March 2024) {{flatlist| * {{big|'''←'''}} Surendra Mehta * Jitendra Kumar Rai {{big|'''→'''}} }}}} ---- {{center|'''Minister of Panchayat Raj'''<br />(9 February 2021 {{endash}} 9 August 2022) {{flatlist| * {{big|'''←'''}} Renu Devi * Murari Prasad Gautam {{big|'''→'''}} }}}} ---- {{center|'''Minister of Urban Development & Housing'''<br />(2 June 2014 {{endash}} 20 February 2015) }} ---- {{center|'''Minister of Horticulture, Weights and Measurement'''<br />(19 May 1999 {{endash}} 16 November 1999) }} }} '''Samrat Choudhary'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home - Show Member Personal Details |url=https://vidhanparishad.bihar.gov.in/profile/77 |access-date=2025-10-03 |website=vidhanparishad.bihar.gov.in}}</ref> (born 16 November 1968) is an Indian politician who is serving as the 24th Chief Minister of Bihar since 15 April 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-new-cm-announcement-live-updates-nitish-kumar-resignation-bjp-cm-name-samrat-choudhary-patna-news-april-14-101776127800041.html|title=Samrat Chaudhary to take oath as Bihar CM|website=HT}}</ref> He has been a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly representing Tarapur Assembly constituency since 2025 and previously served as deputy chief minister of Bihar in the Nitish Kumar government from 2024 to 2026. Choudhary is the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member to serve as Chief Minister of Bihar.
He was previously associated with Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal (United).<ref name="News18">{{cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/patna-bjp-trying-to-make-samrat-chaudhary-alternative-of-upendra-kushwaha-in-nda-1503664.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116044110/https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/patna-bjp-trying-to-make-samrat-chaudhary-alternative-of-upendra-kushwaha-in-nda-1503664.html|title=बीजेपी का कोईरी कार्ड, सम्राट चौधऱी को कुशवाहा का विकल्प बनाने की तैयारी|website=News18|date=6 September 2018 |access-date=15 November 2020|archive-date=16 November 2020}}</ref> Choudhary was also a member of the Bihar Legislative Council from 2014 to 2016 and again from 2020 to 2025. In addition, he previously represented Parbatta in the Bihar Legislative Assembly from 2000 to 2004 and again from 2010 to 2014, and served as the party president of BJP Bihar state unit from March 2023 to 25 July 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bihar-mlc-polls-bjp-candidates-1692214-2020-06-24|title=Mayukh, Samrat Choudhary BJP candidates for Bihar MLC polls|website=India Today|date=24 June 2020 |accessdate=15 November 2020|archive-date=14 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014013022/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bihar-mlc-polls-bjp-candidates-1692214-2020-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsnationtv.com/states/bihar/all-9-candidates-have-been-elected-unopposed-for-9-seats-of-bihar-legislative-councile-148137.html|title=बिहार विधान परिषद चुनाव में सभी 9 उम्मीदवार निर्विरोध चुने गए, JDU-RJD का दिखा दबदबा|website=newsnationtv|date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115202848/https://www.newsnationtv.com/states/bihar/all-9-candidates-have-been-elected-unopposed-for-9-seats-of-bihar-legislative-councile-148137.html|accessdate=15 November 2020|archive-date=15 November 2020|quote=The JDU's winning in Bihar Legislative Council are Dr. Kumud Verma, Professor Ghulam and Bhisam Sahni. While RJD to Mo Farooq, Rambali Singh and Sunil Kumar Singh have been made MLCs. On the other hand, Sanjay Prakash and Samrat Chaudhary from BJP have secured MLC seat while Sameer Kumar Singh from Congress has got a place in Bihar Legislative Council. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nda-candidates-file-nomination-papers-for-council-elections-in-bihar-2252158|title=NDA Candidates File Nomination Papers For Council Elections In Bihar|website=NDTV|accessdate=15 November 2020|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906215845/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nda-candidates-file-nomination-papers-for-council-elections-in-bihar-2252158|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, he was selected as the Leader of Opposition in Bihar Legislative Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/new-bihar-bjp-chief-samrat-choudhary-interview-8526070/|title=New Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary: 'Jahan Ram hain, wahin Luv-Kush (OBC Kurmi-Koeri) rahega'|website=Indian express|date=29 March 2023 |accessdate=16 August 2023|archive-date=1 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401191905/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/new-bihar-bjp-chief-samrat-choudhary-interview-8526070/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Samrat Choudhary: Indian PM Modi's BJP gets first chief minister in Bihar |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c393318pm89o |website=www.bbc.com |access-date=16 April 2026 |date=15 April 2026}}</ref>
==Life and education== Samrat Choudhary was born on 16 November 1968 in Lakhanpur village of Munger. His mother, Parvati Devi, and father Shakuni Choudhary, were also Bihari politicians. After completing his basic education, he received higher education from Madurai Kamaraj University. His educational qualifications have become a subject of public controversy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-18 |title=Age, education ‘row’ add to heat on BJP Dy CM Samrat Choudhary in Bihar race |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/age-education-row-add-to-heat-on-bjp-dy-cm-samrat-choudhary-in-bihar-race-10314761/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Choudhary belongs to Koeri Kushwaha caste, and he has been the OBC face of the BJP.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bhaskar.com/news/kushwaha-society-is-known-for-cultivating-vegetable-bjp-leader-samrat-choudhary-said-5951802.html|title=भाजपा नेता सम्राट चौधरी बोले-हम न दूध वाले और न चावल वाले, हम तो सब्जी वाले हैं|website=Bhaskar.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115204537/https://www.bhaskar.com/news/kushwaha-society-is-known-for-cultivating-vegetable-bjp-leader-samrat-choudhary-said-5951802.html|accessdate=15 November 2020|archive-date=15 November 2020|quote=BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary who comes from Kushwaha community, on the statement made by the RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says that we are neither milk sellers nor rice growers, we are vegetable growers. The Kushvanshis (Kushwaha Caste) are known for vegetables. Rice is grown by people of every society. Although everyone should do the work of cooking kheer in politics, there are no two opinions about it. He was talking to a private television channel. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/kushwaha-catch-for-bjp/cid/1378432|title=Kushwaha catch for BJP|website=The Telegraph|accessdate=15 November 2020|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806005937/https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/kushwaha-catch-for-bjp/cid/1378432|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/mayukh-samrat-choudhary-bjp-candidates-for-bihar-mlc-polls-853141.html|title=Mayukh, Samrat Choudhary BJP candidates for Bihar MLC polls|website=Deccan Herald|date=24 June 2020 |accessdate=15 November 2020|archive-date=6 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806005931/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/mayukh-samrat-choudhary-bjp-candidates-for-bihar-mlc-polls-853141.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Choudhary is married to Mamta Kumari; the pair have one son and one daughter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/new-bihar-bjp-chief-samrat-choudhary-interview-8526070/|title=New Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary: 'Jahan Ram hain, wahin Luv-Kush (OBC Kurmi-Koeri) rahega|website=Indian express|date=29 March 2023 |accessdate=17 July 2023|archive-date=1 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401191905/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/new-bihar-bjp-chief-samrat-choudhary-interview-8526070/|url-status=live}}</ref> His birth name is '''Rakesh Kumar'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/who-are-samrat-choudhary-and-vijay-kumar-sinha-likely-deputy-cms-in-nitish-kumar-govt-in-bihar-11706435757335.html|title = Who are Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha likely Deputy CMs in Nitish cabinet|website=Live Mint|accessdate=12 November 2024}}</ref>
==Early political career== Choudhary was involved with politics since the early 1990s, and was involved with the Samata Party. Along with his father and mother, and numerous other politicians from the Samata Party, he joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal in 1999. On 19 May 1999, he was sworn in as the Minister of Horticulture, Weights and Measurement in the ministry of Rabri Devi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rediff On The NeT: Rabri inducts 5 more ministers |url=https://im.rediff.com/news/1999/may/19bihar1.htm |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=im.rediff.com}}</ref> During his appointment, he was neither a member of the Legislative Assembly not the Legislative Council. However, allegations of his ineligibility due to being underage at the time led to his removal from the post on 16 November 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Sanjay Kumar |date=1999-11-29 |title=Sacking of minister on under-age charges pits Bihar governor against RJD Government |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/states/story/19991129-sacking-of-minister-on-under-age-charges-pits-bihar-governor-against-rjd-government-781482-1999-11-28 |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>https://www.newsclick.in/bihar-bjps-new-state-party-chief-was-sacked-minister-over-underage-controversy</ref> Subsequently, in the 2000 elections, he was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly from Parbatta constituency as a member of the RJD. In the same election, his father Sakuni Choudhary was elected to the legislative assembly and later appointed as a minister in the Rabri Devi ministry. In 2003, Sushil Kumar Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that when Samrat Choudhary filled his nomination, he was ineligible due to his age. Later, Modi fought a legal battle against Choudhary, and this resulted in his election being declared void by the court.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=S. B. |title=Sushil Kumar vs Rakesh Kumar on 16 October, 2003 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/633831/ |website=Indiankanoon.org}}</ref> Afterwards, a by-election was conducted in 2004, and Samrat Choudhary fought the election unsuccessfully. He lost to Ramanand Prasad Singh of the Janata Dal (United).<ref>{{Cite web |work=Election Commission of India |title=BYE - ELECTION- April, 2004 |url=https://hindi.eci.gov.in/ByeElection/ByeApril2004/bye-ele-163%20Parbattal2004.htm }}</ref> He was finally elected to that seat in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://myneta.info/bih2010/candidate.php?candidate_id=1589|title=Samrat Chaudhary|website=Myneta|access-date=15 November 2020|archive-date=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926211702/http://myneta.info/bih2010/candidate.php?candidate_id=1589|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, he was made the chief whip of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2026-04-14 |title=From minister removed by Governor, to becoming CM now: Samrat Choudhary's journey to Bihar throne |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/from-minister-removed-by-governor-to-becoming-cm-now-samrat-choudharys-journey-to-bihar-throne-101776183000757.html |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> He later joined the JD(U), and served as a cabinet minister in the Jitan Ram Manjhi ministry. On 2 June 2014, he was sworn in and took charge as Minister of Urban Development and Housing Department.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/pil-against-lalu-over-distribution-of-party-symbols/839297|title=PIL Against Lalu Over Distribution of Party Symbols|website=Outlook India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116093701/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/pil-against-lalu-over-distribution-of-party-symbols/839297|accessdate=16 November 2020|archive-date=16 November 2020}}</ref> From 2014 to 2016, and again from 2020 to 2025, he served in the Bihar Legislative Council as an MLC.
===Bharatiya Janata Party=== In 2018, he was made the vice president of Bihar state unit of the BJP after joining the party in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jansatta.com/rajya/bihar/bihar-shakuni-choudhary-son-samrat-bjp/1135823/|title=Samrat Chaudhary the son of Shakuni Chaudhary|website=Jansatta|date=31 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116091344/https://www.jansatta.com/rajya/bihar/bihar-shakuni-choudhary-son-samrat-bjp/1135823/|accessdate=16 November 2020|archive-date=16 November 2020}}</ref> He further rose to prominence during the 2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, when Choudhary was made a star campaigner for the BJP's National Democratic Alliance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aajtak.in/elections/bihar-assembly-elections/story/bjp-leader-nda-star-campaigner-samrat-chaudhary-election-meeting-patepur-vaishali-tstb-1149171-2020-10-21|title=Vaishali: disputed statement of Samrat Chaudhary on Lalu's MY equation|date=21 October 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020|archive-date=28 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428131922/https://www.aajtak.in/elections/bihar-assembly-elections/story/bjp-leader-nda-star-campaigner-samrat-chaudhary-election-meeting-patepur-vaishali-tstb-1149171-2020-10-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2021, he was made Panchayati Raj minister in the expanded cabinet of Nitish Kumar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/patna-city-nda-expanded-cabinet-in-bihar-new-ministers-of-cm-nitish-kumar-sworn-in-by-governor-21351337.html|title=सीएम नीतीश ने किया नए मंत्रियों के विभागों का बंटवारा, शाहनवाज को उद्योग तो नितिन नवीन को पथ निर्माण विभाग|website=Jagran|accessdate=13 February 2021|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212215940/https://www.jagran.com/bihar/patna-city-nda-expanded-cabinet-in-bihar-new-ministers-of-cm-nitish-kumar-sworn-in-by-governor-21351337.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2021, he gained nationwide attention for getting embroiled in a strong argument with the speaker of Bihar Legislative Assembly, Vijay Kumar Sinha. The speaker was seeking his reply on a question that was raised by an MLA, regarding the work of his department. Later, he apologized to the speaker for violating the decorum of the house. The Panchayati Raj Ministry under him took several steps for promoting better organisational structure, like recruitment of more staff in the sanitation department, as well as paving the way for safe disposal of dead carcasses of stray animals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/speaker-and-minister-engage-in-an-unusual-spat-inside-bihar-assembly-7232632/|title=Speaker and minister engage in an unusual spat inside Bihar Assembly|website=Indian Express|date=17 March 2021 |accessdate=20 March 2021|archive-date=21 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321211559/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/speaker-and-minister-engage-in-an-unusual-spat-inside-bihar-assembly-7232632/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://epaper.bhaskar.com/bettiah/522/20032021/bihar/-1/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320085403/https://epaper.bhaskar.com/bettiah/522/20032021/bihar/-1/ |title=Panchayati Raj Minister announces, new recruitments in sanitation department|website=Dainik Bhaskar|accessdate=20 March 2021|archive-date=20 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Samrat Choudhary(Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)):(ELECTED FROM BIHAR LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY) - Affidavit Information of Candidate |url=https://myneta.info/biharmlc/candidate.php?candidate_id=311 |access-date=15 April 2022 |website=myneta.info |archive-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806005932/https://myneta.info/biharmlc/candidate.php?candidate_id=311 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In March 2023, Choudhary was appointed party president of the BJP for the state of Bihar, replacing Sanjay Jaiswal. As per political analysts, the step was taken by party leadership to create a strong foundation among the voters of Koeri or the Kushwaha caste, which dominated many of the districts of Bihar and was recorded as the second largest caste group after the Yadavs in the state.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bjp-names-virendra-sachdeva-cp-joshi-ef-of-delhi-rajasthan-and-bihar-units/article66652080.ece|title=BJP appoints new State chiefs for Delhi, Bihar and Rajasthan|website=The Hindu|date=23 March 2023 |accessdate=23 March 2023|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323070123/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bjp-names-virendra-sachdeva-cp-joshi-ef-of-delhi-rajasthan-and-bihar-units/article66652080.ece|url-status=live |last1=Hebbar |first1=Nistula }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/bjp-bihar-samrat-choudhury-kushwaha-8514973/|title=BJP shuffle: In Bihar, party bets on known Nitish baiter, Kushwaha face for president|website=Indian express|date=23 March 2023 |accessdate=16 July 2023|editor=Santosh Singh|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406060120/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/bjp-bihar-samrat-choudhury-kushwaha-8514973/|url-status=live}}</ref> After his appointment to the post of state chief of BJP, Rabri Devi commented, "it seems BJP has turned its back from the Banias and that's why they have raised a Mahto to the post of president."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/rabri-takes-a-dig-at-samrat-bjp-netas-describe-him-as-energetic-mass-leader/articleshow/98956757.cms|title=Rabri Devi take a dig at Samrat Chaudhary|website=Times of India|date=24 March 2023 |access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204051417/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/rabri-takes-a-dig-at-samrat-bjp-netas-describe-him-as-energetic-mass-leader/articleshow/98956757.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2023, while speaking to a gathering of BJP political workers in Begusarai, union minister Giriraj Singh projected Choudhary as the chief ministerial candidate of BJP for 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-bjp-president-samrat-choudhary-may-be-partys-cm-face-in-2025-assembly-poll/article66808224.ece|title=Bihar BJP president Samrat Choudhary may be party's CM face in 2025 Assembly poll|website=The Hindu|date=4 May 2023 |accessdate=15 July 2023|archive-date=16 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716185336/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-bjp-president-samrat-choudhary-may-be-partys-cm-face-in-2025-assembly-poll/article66808224.ece|url-status=live |last1=Tewary |first1=Amarnath }}</ref>
Choudhary holds the anti-immigrant ideology, which is promoted by the BJP in the frontier states of India. In June 2023, while addressing a rally at Purnia, Choudhary promised to the audience that if the government of BJP is formed in the state of Bihar, they will drive all illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from the Muslim dominated region of Bihar called Simanchal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/purnia/samrat-chaudhary-said-in-purnia-if-bjp-government-is-formed-in-bihar-bangladeshis-will-be-thrown-out/articleshow/100857006.cms|title=Bihar Politics: 'बिहार में BJP सरकार बनी तो बांग्लादेशियों को करेंगे बाहर', पूर्णिया में सम्राट चौधरी का ऐलान|language=Hindi|website=Navbharat Times|accessdate=17 July 2023|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718112639/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/purnia/samrat-chaudhary-said-in-purnia-if-bjp-government-is-formed-in-bihar-bangladeshis-will-be-thrown-out/articleshow/100857006.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Choudhary also believes in existence of Love Jihad, the process of Muslim men trapping Hindu girls, and converting them into Islam for marriage. In one of his media briefings, Choudhary said that all the Love Jihad cases pending in Bihar will be probed if the BJP wins the 2025 Bihar assembly elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/bihar-bjp-chief-says-all-love-jihad-cases-will-be-probed-if-party-wins-in-state-in-2025-1226442.html|title=Bihar BJP chief says all love jihad cases will be probed if party wins in state in 2025|website=Deccan Herald|accessdate=17 July 2023|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718113332/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/bihar-bjp-chief-says-all-love-jihad-cases-will-be-probed-if-party-wins-in-state-in-2025-1226442.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2023, Choudhary, along with Vijay Kumar Sinha and other BJP leaders organised a protest on the question of ten lakh jobs that were promised by the Mahagathbandhan government of Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav. The protest was led by Choudhary and Sinha along with BJP workers. However, when the mob reached Dak Bangla Square, Patna Police initiated lathi charge on BJP workers. A worker of the BJP from Jahanabad died due to severe injuries, while many other leaders, like Janardan Singh Sigriwal, were also beaten. In the aftermath of the protest, Choudhary, in his statement, blamed the incumbent government of Nitish Kumar for the death of their worker.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bjp-protest-march-ends-in-clashes-with-bihar-police-one-dead/article67075952.ece|title=BJP protest march ends in clashes with Bihar Police, one dead|website=The Hindu|date=13 July 2023 |accessdate=15 July 2023|archive-date=14 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714130559/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bjp-protest-march-ends-in-clashes-with-bihar-police-one-dead/article67075952.ece|url-status=live |last1=Bhelari |first1=Amit }}</ref> The BJP leaders were also protesting against the teacher recruitment policy of the Nitish Kumar government and the domicile issue. The government had allowed the candidate outside the state of Bihar to take the recruitment examination; hence, there was dissatisfaction in one section of local candidates from the state. However, Choudhary, along with all major state leaders of the BJP, were arrested during the protest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/bjp-leader-dies-during-protest-in-patna-party-alleges-police-brutality-123071300836_1.html|title=BJP leader dies during protest in Patna, party alleges police brutality|website=Business Standard|accessdate=15 July 2023|archive-date=16 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716191132/https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/bjp-leader-dies-during-protest-in-patna-party-alleges-police-brutality-123071300836_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Choudhary had supported the drive of the Bihar government for conducting a caste census in the state and at an all-India level. Amidst claims that Bharatiya Janata Party and its leaders are against caste census, Choudhary declared in BJP's Other Backward Class convention at Khagaria in 2021 that he and his party are not against caste census and the BJP has always given representation to numerically small caste groups, which are vulnerable to being subsumed by the dominant castes. He also pointed towards the appointment of Renu Devi and Tarkishore Prasad as Deputy CM by BJP to support his arguments as both belonged to Backward Caste.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/bhagalpur-samrat-chaudhary-said-in-khagaria-that-we-are-not-against-caste-census-pm-narendra-modi-will-take-the-decision-21990354.html|title=खगड़िया में बोले सम्राट चौधरी- हम लोग नहीं है जातिगत जनगणना के विरोधी, PM नरेंद्र मोदी लेंगे निर्णय|website=Dainik Jagran|accessdate=2 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008102707/https://www.jagran.com/bihar/bhagalpur-samrat-chaudhary-said-in-khagaria-that-we-are-not-against-caste-census-pm-narendra-modi-will-take-the-decision-21990354.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 October 2023, after the Government of Bihar published the data of caste census, Choudhary reiterated his statement and clarified that the release of data won't change the political standing and policies of the party as they have always worked towards proportional representation for all the castes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjpleaders-say-caste-survey-won-t-affect-party-s-electoral-policies-101696256297689.html|title=Caste survey won't affect party electoral policies|website=Hindustan Times|date=2 October 2023 |accessdate=2 October 2023|archive-date=2 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002142105/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjpleaders-say-caste-survey-won-t-affect-party-s-electoral-policies-101696256297689.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar (2024–2026)== thumb|Chaudhary taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. In January 2024, chief minister Nitish Kumar resigned from the INDIA Alliance and formed a government with the BJP's NDA Alliance. In the new government, Choudhary became Minister of Sport, Finance, and deputy chief minister.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/who-are-samrat-choudhary-and-vijay-kumar-sinha-likely-deputy-cms-in-nitish-kumar-govt-in-bihar-11706435757335.html|title=Who are Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha ?|website=live mint|date=28 January 2024 |accessdate=29 January 2024|archive-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129015759/https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/who-are-samrat-choudhary-and-vijay-kumar-sinha-likely-deputy-cms-in-nitish-kumar-govt-in-bihar-11706435757335.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also allocated important departments of health, commercial taxes, urban development and housing department, Panchayati Raj, industry, animal and fisheries resources, and planning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/bihar-nitish-kumar-allocates-portfolios-in-new-cabinet-retains-home/3383393/|title=Nitish Kumar allocates portfolios to new ministers|website=Financial Express|date=3 February 2024 |accessdate=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204012132/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/bihar-nitish-kumar-allocates-portfolios-in-new-cabinet-retains-home/3383393/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/idea-exchange/samrat-choudhary-at-idea-exchange-ram-mandir-dream-fulfilled-modi-now-has-only-one-agenda-that-of-development-9144319/|title=Samrat Choudhary at Idea Exchange: Ram Mandir dream fulfilled, Modi now has only one agenda, that of development|date=5 February 2024 }}</ref> In 2024, he was also made the convener of Group of Ministers on Goods and Service Tax rate rationalisation panel.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/policy/gst-rate-rationalisation-panel-reconstituted-bihar-dy-cm-samrat-chaudhary-appointed-convenor/articleshow/111166909.cms|title=Samrat Chaudhary convener of GST rationalisation panel|website=Economic Times|date=21 June 2024 |accessdate=3 July 2024}}</ref>
On 13 February 2024, Choudhary presented a budget worth ₹2.79 lakh crore in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. This was one of the biggest budgets in the history of Bihar. Choudhary also announced that the growth rate of the state has achieved 10.64% mark, and a total of 2.5 crore people in the state have risen above the poverty level in the preceding years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-govt-presents-279-lakh-crore-budget-growth-rate-highest-in-country-at-over-10/article67841433.ece|title=New Bihar NDA govt. presents ₹ 2.79 lakh crore Budget for 2024-25|website=The Hindu|accessdate=16 February 2023}}</ref> As finance minister, he worked for the creation of more jobs in the government sector as per the NDA's poll promises. Choudhary announced the creation of 30,547 posts in various government departments after the administrative committee of the finance ministry sanctioned the creation of these posts under him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/sarkari-naukri-creation-of-30547-new-posts-in-bihar-announced-by-samrat-choudhary-axs|title=Creation of 30,547 posts in Bihar announced by Samrat Chaudhary|website=Prabhat Khabar|date=10 February 2024 |accessdate=6 May 2024}}</ref>
On 26 July 2024, Choudhary was removed from the post of the BJP's state president for Bihar. It was done after the extensive discussion within the party leadership after the 2024 Lok Sabha election, in which it was concluded that he was unable to transfer the vote of the Kushwaha caste to the Bharatiya Janata Party. With his removal, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, the party's member of the legislative council of Bihar, was appointed the new president of the Bihar unit of the BJP. Choudhary, however, continued to serve as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/dilip-jaiswal-replaces-samrat-choudhary-as-bihar-bjp-president/article68447176.ece|title=Dilip Jaiswal replaces Samrat Chaudhary as Bjp Bihar unit president|website=The Hindu|accessdate=26 July 2024}}</ref>
In the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, Choudhary led the BJP's campaign, and he sought election in the Tarapur Assembly constituency. The BJP became the single largest party in the Bihar assembly, and Choudhary was then elected as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's legislative party in Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/politics/bjps-luv-kush-powerplay-why-it-chose-to-continue-with-samrat-chaudhary-as-bihar-dy-cm/2789125/|title=BJPs Luv Kush powerplay why it continued to chose Samrat Chaudhary as deputy CM|website=The Print|accessdate=22 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/bihar/bihars-big-twist-mahagathbandhans-vip-candidate-in-tarapur-joins-bjp-extends-support-to-smarat-choudhary-10274790|title= In a big twist VIP candidate joined BJP|website=Jagran|accessdate=22 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=NDA government again in Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary becomes deputy CM |url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/nda-in-bihar-nitish-kumar-becomes-cm-samrat-chaudhary-vijay-sinha-become-deputy-cm-axs |access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Prabhat Khabar}}</ref>
===Bihar Minister of Home Affairs=== Immediately after the election, Choudhary took charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Tenth Nitish Kumar ministry. Bihar saw strict police action against gangster Shivdutt Rai in the Begusarai district; many believed it to be the replication of 'law and order model of strict action against criminal gangs' followed by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2025/11/24/is-the-yogi-model-coming-to-bihar-5-reasons-why-the-bjp-wanted-the-home-ministry-for-samrat-chaudhary.html|title=Is Yogi model coming in Bihar, 5 reason why BJP wanted home ministry for Samrat Chaudhary|website=The Week|accessdate=25 November 2025}}</ref>
Choudhary launched various initiatives like deployment of Anti-Romeo squad to prevent the cases of eve teasing as well as crackdown on the mafias dealing with drugs, liquor and land grabbing. He announced the preparation of a list of four hundred such individuals, against whom measures such as the acquisition of property made through illegal means will be taken. Choudhary also launched an initiative to conduct proper surveillance of prisons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/bihar/news/bihar-cracks-down-on-smack-trade-over-12-hideouts-demolished-samrat-assumes-charge-136516822.html|title=Bihar cracks down on smack trade:Over 12 mafia hideouts demolished as Samrat assumes charge; SP vows to end drug supply |website= Bhaskar |accessdate=26 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/there-will-be-zero-tolerance-on-crime-says-new-home-minister/articleshow/125572070.cms|title=There will be zero tolerance on crime, says new home minister |website=Times of India|accessdate=26 November 2025}}</ref> The measures such as 'Pink Policing' were also launched to ensure the safety of women at the public places.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aajtak.in/bihar/story/bihar-yogi-model-samrat-chaudhary-warning-to-criminals-lclar-dskc-2397144-2025-11-26|title = अब बिहार में 'योगी मॉडल', गृह मंत्री सम्राट चौधरी ने पहली ही प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस में दिया बड़ा मेसेज |website=AajTak|accessdate=26 November 2025}}</ref>
In his tenure as home minister of Bihar, the Nitish Kumar government took strict action against encroachment of public places by illegal building structures. The government followed the model of taking down these structures across the state by deploying bulldozers across different districts of the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/patna/bihar-politics-mp-manoj-tiwari-reaction-on-samrat-chaudhary-bulldozer-action|title=Bihar Politics: सम्राट चौधरी के ‘बुलडोजर एक्शन’ पर क्या बोले सांसद मनोज तिवारी? माफिया राज पर भी किया रिएक्ट |website=Prabhat Khabar|accessdate=4 December 2025}}</ref>
After a review meeting with senior police officials in December 2025, Choudhary announced the formation of the 'Abhay brigade' to ensure the safety of women at public and other sensitive places. He also launched a crime and criminal tracking network system for people-friendly policing. Choudhary directed that vehicles involved in illegal mining activities should be confiscated immediately and should be auctioned as soon as possible in a bid to restrict illegal mining.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-dycm-launches-online-portal-to-track-crime-criminals-in-state-101765029378849.html|title=Bihar Deputy Chief Minister launched online portal to track criminal in state|website=Hindustan Times|accessdate=6 December 2025}}</ref>
To stop the cases of paper leak in competitive examinations of the state, Choudhary announced the formation of a special investigation team. He also planned to reduce the response time for the 'dial 112' emergency service to less than ten minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/dial-112-response-time-to-be-less-than-10-minutes-orders-home-minister-samrat-chaudhary-201765032727660.html|title=डायल 112 का रिस्पॉन्स टाइम 10 मिनट से कम होगा; गृह मंत्री सम्राट चौधरी का आदेश |website=Hindustan|accessdate=6 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/act-against-paper-leaks-illegal-mining-bihar-deputy-cm-samrat-choudhary/article70365679.ece|title= Act against paper leaks, illegal mining: Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary|website=The Hindu|accessdate=9 December 2025}}</ref>
On 7 December 2025, Choudhary announced the establishment of one hundred fast-track courts for the speedy disposal of cases to expedite justice delivery and reduce the pendency of cases.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/bihar-to-establish-100-fast-track-courts-for-quicker-disposal-of-pending-criminal-cases/article70368805.ece|title=Bihar to establish 100 Fast Track Courts for quicker disposal of pending criminal cases |website=The Hindu|accessdate=9 December 2025}}</ref>
Choudhary also took decisions like making the junta darbar (people's court) by every police station mandatory, which were earlier organized at the SP/SSP level. He also brought a resolution to stop the gunda banks (private money lending charging arbitrary interest) from functioning in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/every-police-station-to-hold-janata-darbar-bihar-home-minister-101765377681319.html|title=Every police station to hold Janata Darbar: Bihar home minister |website= Hindustan Times|accessdate= 10 December 2025}}</ref>
In December 2025, Choudhary announced that residential schools would be opened in forty police lines (residential areas for policemen) across the state of Bihar in order to ensure quality education for children of police officials. He also made the medical insurance claim process for police officials cashless to mitigate cash crunch in times of need. The decision was also taken to open Jivika kitchens in police line to provide healthy and balanced diet for police officials.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/patna/samrat-choudhary-announced-nitish-govt-planning-residential-school-and-cashless-treatment-for-bihar-police/articleshow/126101304.cms|title=बिहार पुलिस के लिए खुलेंगे 'खास स्कूल', सम्राट चौधरी ने दी कैशलेस वाली खुशखबरी, जानिए नीतीश सरकार का प्लान |website=navbharat Times|accessdate=23 December 2025}}</ref>
== Chief Minister of Bihar (2026–present) == {{main|Samrat Choudhary ministry}} thumb|Samrat Chaudhary assuming the charges as Chief Minister of Bihar in 2026. In March 2026, Nitish Kumar announced his intention to resign as CM to contest the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=14 April 2026 |title=Nitish Kumar exits as Bihar Chief Minister, marks end of an era |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/nitish-kumar-exits-as-bihar-chief-minister-marks-end-of-an-era/article70860696.ece |website=The Hindu}}</ref> Choudhary was later elected leader of the Bihar BJP legislative party and was sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar on 15 April. He is the first BJP politician to serve as Bihar's CM.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=15 April 2026 |title=Samrat Choudhary to be Bihar's first BJP Chief Minister as Nitish Kumar era ends |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/samrat-choudhary-to-be-bihar-chief-minister-as-nitish-kumar-resigns-after-20-years-2895995-2026-04-14 |website=India Today}}</ref>
In May 2026, Chaudhary declared that private schools functioning in the state need to declare a proper fee structure in order to curb arbitrariness in expenditure on education. He also stated in a press briefing that students whose fee is pending shouldn't be barred from appearing in any examination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/patna/bihar-cm-choudhary-to-private-schools-declare-your-fee-structure-allow-students-to-buy-uniform-and-books-from-anywhere-10686927/|title=Bihar CM Choudhary to private schools: Declare your fee structure, allow students to buy uniform and books from anywhere |website=Indian express|accessdate=14 May 2026}}</ref>
In the earliest cabinet meetings, Chaudhary launched schemes to decongest the urban areas. His satellite township program aimed to develop planned cities by creating green spaces, wide roads and designated residential and commercial areas across ten districts of Bihar. The Police Didi scheme was launched to develop mutual trust between police and the girl students. As per plan, women police officials were deployed at the educational institutions and provides with government funded scooters to stop harassment and help girl students. A three tier helpline for public called Sahyog Triveni was also launched which included helpline, a website and camps at panchayat level by government officials to solve the problems of ordinary people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/one-month-of-the-samrat-choudhary-government-in-bihar/article70983413.ece|title=One month of Samrat Choudhary Government in Bihar |website=The Hindu|accessdate=16 May 2026}}</ref>
== Electoral performance == {| class="wikitable" |+Bihar Legislative Assembly !Year !Constituency ! colspan="2" |Party !Votes !Votes in % !Opponent ! colspan="2" |Opponent Party !Votes !Votes in % !Margin !Margin in % !Result |- |'''2000'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2018 |title=file |url=https://old.eci.gov.in/files/file/3900-bihar-2000/ |url-status=live |website=Election Commission of India}}</ref> | rowspan="2" |Parbatta |style="background:{{party color|Rashtriya Janata Dal}};" |
| rowspan="2" |'''RJD''' |48,202 |34.69% | rowspan="2" |Ramanand Prasad Singh
|style="background:{{party color|Independent}};" |
|IND |35,425 |25.49% |12,777 |9.2% |style="background:#90EE90;" | Won
|- |'''2010''' | style="background:{{party color|Rashtriya Janata Dal}};" |
|60,428 |42.81% |style="background:{{party color|Janata Dal (United)}};" |
|JDU |59,620 |42.24% |808 |0.57% |style="background:#90EE90;" | Won
|- |'''2025''' |Tarapur |style="background:{{party color|Bharatiya Janata Party}};" | |'''BJP''' |'''122,480''' |56.77% |Arun Kumar Shah |style="background:{{party color|Rashtriya Janata Dal}};" |
|RJD |76,637 |35.52% |45,843 |21.25% |style="background:#90EE90;" | Won
|}
{| class="wikitable" |+Bihar Legislative Council ! Year !! Election !! Result !! Notes |- | 2014 || Bihar Legislative Council|| style="background:#006400; color:#fff;" | '''Elected''' || |- | 2020 ||Bihar Legislative Council || style="background:#006400; color:#fff;" | '''Elected''' || Unopposed |}
==Controversies== Choudhary is known for his combative leadership style, which has caused controversies throughout his political career.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-09-29 |title=Prashant Kishore's explosive claim: Big 'murder' charge on deputy CM Samrat Choudhary; warns of legal action |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/prashant-kishores-explosive-claim-big-murder-charge-on-dy-cm-samrat-choudhary-warns-of-legal-action/articleshow/124210501.cms#:~:text=He%20further%20alleged%20that%20Choudhary,Ashok%20Choudhary's%20alleged%20property%20holdings. |access-date=2026-04-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
Reportedly, he attacked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar verbally on various occasions; in May 2023, while he was trying to meet a former five-time MLA of the BJP Jawahar Prasad, who was incarcerated in prison for his role in Ram Navami violence in Sasaram, he was stopped by authorities. On 3 May 2023, in a statement to the press, Choudhary accused Nitish Kumar of promoting criminals and targeting saints; he cited the release of former Member of Parliament and convicted criminal Anand Mohan Singh to support his claim.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nitish-kumar-engaged-in-politics-of-appeasement-alleges-bihar-bjp-chief-samrat-choudhary/article66807763.ece|title=Nitish Kumar engaged in politics of appeasement, alleges Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary|website=The Hindu|date=3 May 2023 |accessdate=26 June 2023|archive-date=27 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627120859/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nitish-kumar-engaged-in-politics-of-appeasement-alleges-bihar-bjp-chief-samrat-choudhary/article66807763.ece|url-status=live |last1=Bhelari |first1=Amit }}</ref>
In May 2023, he alleged that Janata Dal United (JDU) president Lalan Singh had served liquor at a feast organized in his Lok Sabha constituency Munger, despite knowing that the government of Bihar had imposed a ban on liquor since 2016. For his remark, he was criticised by JDU leaders. The state president of JDU, Umesh Singh Kushwaha, even passed a censure resolution against him at a meeting of the party. Kushwaha also commented that despite belonging to a political family, Choudhary lacks the decency required by a politician.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/jd-u-threatens-legal-action-against-bihar-bjp-president-for-liquor-remark-123051601087_1.html|title=JD(U) threatens legal action against Bihar BJP president for liquor remark|website=Business Standard|accessdate=15 July 2023|archive-date=16 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716192904/https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/jd-u-threatens-legal-action-against-bihar-bjp-president-for-liquor-remark-123051601087_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At various occasions, Choudhary had also criticised Nitish Kumar for not promoting any Kushwaha or Kurmi leader, other than himself. He also alleged that Kumar used his peers for his own benefit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/samrat-choudhary-interview-bihar-bjp-kushwaha-kurmi-8210416/|title=Samrat Choudhary: 'Nitish Kumar has used his peers and seniors most for his advantage… didn't promote any Kushwaha, Kurmi leader other than himself'|website=Indian express|date=15 October 2022 |accessdate=15 July 2023|archive-date=16 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716193416/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/samrat-choudhary-interview-bihar-bjp-kushwaha-kurmi-8210416/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In June 2023, taking a dig at Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Choudhary compared the latter's bearded look to Osama bin Laden. He said, "Rahul Gandhi grows beard like Osama bin Laden and thinks that he would become like prime minister Narendra Modi".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bihar-bjp-chief-likens-rahul-gandhi-with-osama-bin-laden-2391358-2023-06-10|title=Bihar BJP chief likens Rahul Gandhi with Osama bin Laden|website=india today|accessdate=31 January 2023|archive-date=11 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611003457/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bihar-bjp-chief-likens-rahul-gandhi-with-osama-bin-laden-2391358-2023-06-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2025, political strategist Prashant Kishor publicly alleged that Choudhary had misrepresented his age before the Supreme Court of India in connection with the 1995 Tarapur Murder Case. According to the allegation, forged documents were submitted to establish that he was a minor at the time of the incident. These claims have been reported in sections of the media but remain contested.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prashant Kishor demands arrest and dismissal of Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary in 1995 murder case |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/bihar-deputy-cm-lied-before-supreme-court-to-escape-trial-in-murder-case-alleges-prashant-kishor/article70108444.ece |access-date=12 October 2025 |website=The Hindu}}</ref>
Choudhary was also involved in the so-called “underage minister” controversy in 1999 during the tenure of the Rabri Devi government. Questions were raised regarding his eligibility to hold ministerial office due to his age, leading to his resignation amid the dispute.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samrat Choudhary: A Controversial Political Journey |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/bihar/samrat-choudhary-a-political-career-mired-in-controversies-3760062 |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
In addition, his political trajectory—spanning affiliations with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Samata Party (SAP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and later the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—has drawn criticism from opponents, who have cited frequent party changes as indicative of shifting political loyalties.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samrat Choudhary 2026: Rise of Bihar CM from RJD roots to BJP helm |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bihar/from-lantern-to-lotus-samrat-choudharys-rise-to-bihar-cm-post-3967668 |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
Further scrutiny has arisen over alleged inconsistencies in his election affidavits, particularly concerning his stated age. Critics have pointed to differences between documents related to the 1995 case—where he was reportedly described as 15 years old—and later affidavits, including those submitted during the 2020 elections, which indicated a differing date of birth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bihar Deputy CM Murder Case Row: Prashant Kishor Alleges SC Misrepresentation |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/bihar/bihar-assembly-elections-deputy-cm-samrat-chaudhary-lied-before-sc-to-escape-trial-in-murder-case-alleges-prashant-kishor-3746831 |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
In April 2026, Choudhary faced criticism after opposition leaders circulated videos from his oath-taking ceremony as Chief Minister of Bihar, alleging that he struggled while reading the oath. Leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chaurasia |first=Manoj |date=2026-04-24 |title=‘5 govts in 5 yrs’: Tejashwi slams NDA over ‘instability’ in state |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/5-govts-in-5-yrs-tejashwi-slams-nda-over-instability-in-state/articleshow/130501750.cms |access-date=2026-04-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> including supporters of Tejashwi Yadav, mocked the incident on social media and questioned his preparedness for office.<ref>{{cite web |title=Samrat Choudhary did not read oath matter properly, alleges RJD leaders |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/patna/samrat-choudhary-did-not-read-oath-matter-properly-rjd-and-tejashwi-yadav-allegation-on-bihar-new-cm/articleshow/130279962.cms |website=Navbharat Times |access-date=28 April 2026 |language=hi|last=नारायण सिंह|first=ऋषिकेश}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=Nitish Kumar}} {{s-ttl|title=Chief Minister of Bihar|years=2026 – present}} {{s-inc}} {{S-end}} * {{Official website}} {{Bharatiya Janata Party}} {{Chief Ministers of Bihar}} {{Current Indian Chief Ministers}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Choudhary, Samrat}} Category:1968 births Category:Living people Category:Rashtriya Janata Dal politicians Category:Janata Dal (United) politicians Category:Hindustani Awam Morcha politicians Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Bihar Category:Members of the Bihar Legislative Council Category:Leaders of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council Category:People from Munger district Category:Bihar MLAs 2000–2005 Category:Bihar MLAs 2010–2015 Category:Madurai Kamaraj University alumni Category:People from Khagaria district Category:State cabinet ministers of Bihar Category:Deputy chief ministers of Bihar Category:Finance ministers of Bihar Category:Agriculture ministers of Bihar Category:Bihar MLAs 2025–2030 Category:Chief ministers of Bihar Category:Chief ministers from Bharatiya Janata Party