Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as Bihar’s Chief Minister on Wednesday, marking a significant political development in the state. His appointment follows the exit of Nitish Kumar, who stepped down after being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, bringing an end to his long tenure in Bihar’s leadership.

Choudhary, 57, was elected as the leader of the BJP legislative party, paving the way for his elevation to the top post. A formal meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislative party is expected to endorse his appointment. His elevation signals a shift in the state’s political dynamics, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking a more prominent leadership role in the government.

Coming from a political background, Choudhary has held key responsibilities within the BJP, including serving as Bihar’s Home Minister in a previous NDA government. He is considered an influential leader from the Koeri Kushwaha community, an important OBC group in the state. Since joining the BJP in 2017 after stints with the RJD and JD(U), his rise within the party has been notable. His appointment is seen as a key moment in Bihar’s evolving political landscape.