Samrat Choudhary
{{Short description|Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image = Samrat Chaudhary wishing Nitish Kumar on his birthday (cropped).jpg
| image_upright =
| office = 8th Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar
| term_start = 28 January 2024
| alongside = Vijay Kumar Sinha
| 1blankname = Chief Minister
| 1namedata = Nitish Kumar
| predecessor = Tejashwi Yadav
| term_end =
| successor =
| office1 = Leader of the Opposition
Bihar Legislative Council
| term_start1 = 24 August 2022
| term_end1 = 20 August 2023
| 1blankname1 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata1 = Nitish Kumar
| predecessor1 = Rabri Devi
| successor1 = Hari Sahni
| office2 = Minister of Panchayati Raj
Government of Bihar
| term_start2 = 9 February 2021
| term_end2 = 9 August 2022
| 1blankname2 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata2 = Nitish Kumar
| predecessor2 = Renu Devi
| office3 = Minister of Urban Development & Housing
Government of Bihar
| term_start3 = 2 June 2014
| term_end3 = 20 February 2015
| 1blankname3 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata3 = Jitan Ram Manjhi
| predecessor3 =
| successor3 =
| office4 = Minister of Agriculture
Government of Bihar
| term_start4 = 19 May 1999
| term_end4 = 16 November 1999
| 1blankname4 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata4 = Rabri Devi
| office5 = Member of Bihar Legislative Council
| term_start5 = 29 June 2020
| constituency5 = elected by Legislative Assembly members
| term_start6 = 24 May 2014
| term_end6 = 6 January 2016
| constituency6 = Governor nominated
| office7 = Member of Bihar Legislative Assembly
| term_start7 = 2010
| term_end7 = 2014
| predecessor7 = Ramanand Prasad Singh
| successor7 = Ramanand Prasad Singh
| constituency7 = Parbatta
| term_start8 = 2000
| term_end8 = 2004
| predecessor8 = Vidya Sagar Nishad
| successor8 = Ramanand Prasad Singh
| constituency8 = Parbatta
| office9 = Finance minister of Bihar
| term_start9 = 28 January 2024
| term_end9 =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|11|16|df=y}}
| birth_place = Lakhanpur, Bihar, India
| party = {{Party index link|Bharatiya Janata Party|Bharatiya Janata Party}}
| otherparty = *20px {{Party index link|Rashtriya Janata Dal}}
- 20px {{Party index link|Janata Dal (United)}}
| father = Shakuni Choudhary
| residence =
| alma_mater =
| spouse = Mamta Kumari
| children = 1 son & 1 daughter
| occupation = Politician
| signature =
| source =
| footnotes =
}}
Samrat Choudhary (born 16 November 1968), also known by his alias Rakesh Kumar{{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}} is an Indian politician, who is currently serving as Deputy Chief minister of Bihar under Nitish Kumar along with Vijay Sinha. He is a member of the Bihar Legislative Council from the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has been the party president of BJP Bihar State unit from March 2023 to 25 July 2024. He has also remained Member of Legislative Assembly and a minister in Government of Bihar in Rashtriya Janata Dal government. Chaudhary has been a former Vice President of BJP for the state of Bihar and currently elected for the second term as MLC in 2020 after his first term ended in 2019.{{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}}{{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. }}{{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}} In 2014, Samrat planned a split in Rashtriya Janata Dal by defecting thirteen MLAs as splinter group of the party, later joining the BJP.{{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}} In 2022, he was selected as the Leader of Opposition in Bihar Legislative Council.{{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}} In 2024, he was also made the convener of Group of Ministers on Goods and Service Tax rate rationalisation panel.{{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}}
Life
File:Nitish Kumar with Samrat Chaudhary and others at latter's house warming ceremony.jpg
Choudhary belongs to Koeri caste and he has been the OBC face of the BJP for a long time.{{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. }}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}
He was born on 16 November 1968 in Lakhanpur village of Munger. His mother's name is Parvati Devi and father's name is Shakuni Choudhary. His ancestral village is in Lakhanpur in Tarapur block of Munger district. Samrat belongs to a family of politicians. His father, Shakuni Choudhary has been an MLA and MP seven times and mother Parvati Devi has been an MLA from Tarapur constituency. After completing his basic education, he received higher education from Madurai Kamaraj University.{{cite web|url=http://biharvidhanparishad.gov.in/Members/SamratChaudhary.htm|title=Members Profile|website=Bihar Vidhan Parishad|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115210352/http://biharvidhanparishad.gov.in/Members/SamratChaudhary.htm|accessdate=15 November 2020|archive-date=15 November 2020}}
Political career
Chaudhary entered active politics in 1990 and on 19 May 1999 he was sworn in as the Minister of Agriculture in the Bihar government. He contested from Parbatta (Vidhan Sabha constituency) in 2000 and 2010 and was elected MLA.{{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}} In 2010, he was made the Chief Whip of the opposition party in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. On 2 June 2014, he was sworn in and took charge as Minister of Urban Development and Housing Department in the Government of Bihar. In 2018, he was made the vice president of Bihar Pradesh in the Bharatiya Janata Party.{{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}} Before joining BJP he has remained associated with Rashtriya Janata Dal as well as Janata Dal (United).{{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}} In 2020 Bihar Assembly election he was made star campaigner of National Democratic Alliance, meanwhile he was embroiled in a controversy after giving a controversial statement on Lalu Prasad Yadav's caste equation.{{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}}
In 2021, Samrat was made Panchayati Raj minister in the expanded cabinet of Nitish Kumar from BJP quota.{{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}} He has also served as Minister for Urban Development and Housing, Health in 2014 in Jitan Ram Manjhi Ministry and Minister of Metrology and Horticulture in 1999 in Rabri Devi Ministry.
=Tenure as Panchayati Raj Minister=
The tenure of Samrat Choudhary as Panchayati Raj minister was a blend of controversies and developmental steps taken by him under the jurisdictions of his ministry. 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 working of his department. Later, he apologized to the speaker for violation of 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 sanitation department as well as paving the way for safe disposal of dead carcasses of stray animals. The ministry under him also planned to seek the intra department supports of other ministerial departments.{{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}}{{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}}
He has been accused of charges related to undue influence or personation at an election and disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.{{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 }}
=State president of Bharatiya Janata Party=
File:Nitish Kumar participating in Ram Navmi Shobha Yatra.jpg Shobha Yatra with Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.]]
In March 2023, Chaudhary was appointed president of Bhartiya Janata Party for the state of Bihar, replacing Sanjay Jaiswal. As per the political analysts, the step was taken by party leadership in order to create strong foundation among the voters of Kushwaha or the koeri caste, which dominated many of the districts of Bihar and were recorded as second largest caste group after the Yadavs in state.{{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 }}{{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}} 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."{{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}}
Chaudhary led BJP in Bihar after his appointment as party's state chief. 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 BJP Jawahar Prasad, who was incarcerated in prison for his role in Ram Navmi violence in Sasaram, he was stopped by authorities. On 3 May 2023, in a statement given to press, Chaudhary accused Nitish Kumar of promoting criminals and targeting saints; he cited the incident of release of former Member of Parliament and convicted criminal Anand Mohan Singh to support his claim.{{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 }} In 2023, while speaking to a gathering of BJP political workers in Begusarai, union minister Giriraj Singh projected Chaudhary as the chief ministerial candidate of BJP for 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections.{{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 }} In July 2023, Chaudhary, along with Vijay Kumar Sinha and other BJP leaders organised a protest on the question of ten lakh jobs, that was promised by Grand Alliance government of Nitish Kumar and Tejaswi Yadav, to win the election. The protest was led by Chaudhary 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 BJP from Jahanabad died due to severe injuries, while many other leaders like Janardan Singh Sigriwal were also beaten. In the aftermath of protest, Chaudhary, in his statement, blamed the incumbent government of Nitish Kumar for the death of their worker.{{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 }}
The BJP leaders were also protesting against the teacher recruitment policy of 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 state. However, Chaudhary, along with all major state leaders of BJP were arrested during the protest.{{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}}
Chaudhary is also known for his outspoken nature. In May 2023, he alleged that Janata Dal United (JDU) president Lalan Singh has served liquor at a feast organised in his Lok Sabha constituency Munger, despite knowing that government of Bihar had imposed 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 party. Kushwaha also commented that despite belonging to a political family, Chaudhary lacks decency required by a politician.{{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}} At various occasions, Chaudhary had also criticised Nitish Kumar for not promoting any Kushwaha or Kurmi leader, other than himself. He also alleged Kumar of using his peers for his own benefits.{{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}}
In March 2023, soon after Chaudhary became the head of state wing of BJP, posters were raised by a group of BJP political workers in Patna, equating Chaudhary to Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. The senior BJP leaders like former deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad evaded direct comment on this comparison, when approached by media. On the other hand, JDU alleged BJP was avoiding latter's long time faithful party leaders and promoting someone, who was an outsider to party, sometimes before.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/posters-in-patna-call-new-state-bjp-chief-samrat-choudhary-yogi-of-bihar/cid/1925647|title=Posters in Patna call new state BJP chief 'Yogi of Bihar'|website=The Telegraph|accessdate=16 July 2023|archive-date=17 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717175219/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/posters-in-patna-call-new-state-bjp-chief-samrat-choudhary-yogi-of-bihar/cid/1925647|url-status=live}}
Chaudhary continued to encircle Nitish Kumar and deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav, both inside and outside of Bihar Legislative Assembly, in his new role as BJP state chief. He became vocal in asking for resignation of Tejaswi Yadav, after chargesheet was filed against Yadav in connection with 'Land For Job' scheme, a scheme in which appropriation of land from people was done, in lieu of giving them job, in the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav. Chaudhary was also engaged in 'politics of symbolism' ; he wore a turban on his head with the resolve to remove it on the day, Nitish Kumar leaves the premiership of the state of Bihar.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/wont-remove-turban-till-nitish-removed-as-cm-bihar-bjp-chief/article67071476.ece|title=Won't remove turban till Nitish removed as CM: Bihar BJP chief|website=The Hindu|date=12 July 2023 |accessdate=17 July 2023|archive-date=18 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718052215/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/wont-remove-turban-till-nitish-removed-as-cm-bihar-bjp-chief/article67071476.ece|url-status=live |last1=Tewary |first1=Amarnath }}
In July 2024, he removed the turban after visiting Ayodhya and taking a dip in the Sarayu river. Chaudhary dedicated his turban lord Rama and announced that after Nitish Kumar joined BJP led coalition once against ditching the alliance led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, his vow to made him resign from the office of Chief Minister got completed.{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nitish-nda-samrat-chaudhary-turban-9430040/|title=Samrat Chaudhary removes his turban|website=Indian express|accessdate=7 July 2024}}
On 26 July 2024, Chaudhary was removed from the post of party'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 Kushwaha caste to the Bharatiya Janata Party. With his removal, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, party's member of legislative council of Bihar was appointed the new president of Bihar unit of BJP. Chaudhary, however, continued to serve as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.{{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}}
=Leader of BJP legislative party in Bihar=
File:Samrat Chaudhary and Nitish Kumar at Bihar Climate Conference.jpg.]]
In January 2024, Chaudhary was made the leader of Bharatiya Janata Party's legislative party in Bihar. Vijay Kumar Sinha was subsequently made the deputy leader of BJP legislative party. This followed swearing in of Sinha and Chaudhary as Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar in the Nitish Kumar's 9th government formed in the state in 2024.{{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}} Several political analysts claimed that BJP could project Chaudhary as its Chief Minister face for the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. It was stipulated that any political consideration in the caste sensitive state like Bihar can only be made by keeping caste in centre stage. Following the caste based census conducted by Nitish Kumar in 2022, it was revealed that OBC and Extremely Backward Class comprised 60% of the population of the state and this revelation necessitated OBC centric politics in the state. Chaudhary was hence considered as a natural choice for the top leadership position of Bharatiya Janata Party, as he hailed from the caste which was part of troika of three agrarian castes, Yadav, Kurmi and Koeri, which historically led the anti-upper caste agitation in the state of Bihar. Following the displacement of upper caste from power circle, Yadav and Kurmis were able to run the state with Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar assuming the premiership, but, Kushwahas or Koeris left behind. Hence, it was assumed that Chaudhary being a Kushwaha was BJP's reply to Nitish Kumar's dominance in Bihar's politics.{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/politics/obc-vs-obc-rising-star-samrat-chaudhary-may-be-bjps-answer-to-nitish-kumar-in-2025-bihar-elections-8758105.html|title=OBC vs OBC: Rising Star Samrat Chaudhary May Be BJP's Answer to Nitish Kumar in 2025 Bihar Elections|website=News18|accessdate=4 February 2023|archive-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129055339/https://www.news18.com/politics/obc-vs-obc-rising-star-samrat-chaudhary-may-be-bjps-answer-to-nitish-kumar-in-2025-bihar-elections-8758105.html|url-status=live}}
=Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar=
File:Nitish Kumar and Samrat Chaudhary inaugurating projects.jpg
Soon after taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar alongside Vijay Kumar Sinha, Chaudhary was allocated several other departments in portfolio distribution of Nitish Kumar in February 2024.{{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}} He was allocated important departments of finance, health, commercial taxes, urban development and housing department, Sports, Panchayati Raj, Industry, Animal and Fisheries resources as well as planning.{{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}}{{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 }}
On 13 February 2024, Chaudhary as Deputy CM as well as Finance Minister of Bihar, presented a budget worth ₹2.79 lakh crore in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. This was one of the biggest budget in the history of Bihar. Chaudhary also announced that the growth rate of state has achieved 10.64% mark and a total of 2.5 crore people in the state have risen above poverty level in preceding years.{{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}} As finance minister, he worked for creation of more jobs in the government sector as per NDA's poll promises. Chaudhary announced creation of 30,547 posts in various government departments after the administrative committee of finance ministry sanctioned the creation of these posts under him.{{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}}
Ideology
{{see also|Greater Bangladesh}}
File:Samrat Chaudhary participating in distribution of appointment letter.jpg
Chaudhary holds the anti-immigrant ideology, which is promoted by BJP in frontier states of India. In June 2023, while addressing a rally at Purnia, Chaudhary 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.{{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}} Chaudhary also believes in existence of the right wing conspiracy theory of Love Jihad, the process of Muslim men trapping Hindu girls, and converting them into Islam for marriage. In one of his media briefing, Chaudhary said that all the Love Jihad cases pending in Bihar will be probed, if BJP wins 2025 Bihar assembly elections.{{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}}
Chaudhary had supported the drive of 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, Chaudhary declared in BJP's Other Backward Class convention at Khagaria in 2021 that he and his party is not against caste census and the BJP has always given representation to numerically small caste groups, which are vulnerable to be 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.{{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}} On 2 October 2023, after the Government of Bihar published the data of caste census, Chaudhary 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.{{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}}
Controversies
In June 2023, taking a dig at Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Chaudhary compared 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".{{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}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Bharatiya Janata Party}}
{{Current Indian deputy chief ministers}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Choudhary, Samrat}}
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:Madurai Kamaraj University alumni
Category:People from Khagaria district
Category:State cabinet ministers of Bihar
Category:Deputy chief ministers of Bihar
Category:20th-century Indian politicians