Despite Gaining Home Ministry, ‘Samrat’ Chaudhary Fails to Become True Power Player; Nitish Kumar Retains Political Edge

Patna, Bihar: Bihar politics often reminds observers that negotiating with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is never straightforward. Recently, the BJP celebrated securing the Home Ministry after 20 years of political effort. Yet, Samrat Chaudhary, despite taking charge, could not fully assert his authority. Here’s why.

The Missing Key – General Administration Department
While the BJP managed to secure the Home Ministry, the General Administration (GA) Department remained under the direct control of Nitish Kumar. Had GA been given to the BJP as well, Samrat Chaudhary would have gained unprecedented influence, able to independently oversee decisions made by the Home Ministry without interference. Without GA, however, every significant move by the Home Ministry ultimately requires the Chief Minister’s approval, leaving Chaudhary reliant on Nitish’s oversight.

Nitish Kumar’s Strategic Control
By retaining the GA Department, Nitish Kumar keeps a firm grip on the IAS bureaucracy, effectively controlling transfers, appointments, and administrative decisions across all departments. Even if a minister—whether from the BJP, JDU, or an allied party—tries to assert independence, Nitish uses his “homeopathic approach” to maintain balance, intervening subtly yet decisively whenever required.

Why General Administration Matters
The GA Department acts as a direct link between the Chief Minister and the state bureaucracy. In case of disputes within the Home Ministry or other departments, the Chief Minister can intervene through the GA head, ensuring that critical transfers or administrative decisions follow his guidance. This control underscores why Samrat Chaudhary, despite holding the Home Ministry, cannot operate with complete autonomy—the ultimate authority remains with Nitish Kumar.

Conclusion
The episode highlights Nitish Kumar’s reputation as a political strategist par excellence. Even when political allies gain important portfolios, the Chief Minister’s careful retention of GA ensures that the real power stays in his hands. Samrat Chaudhary may hold the title of Home Minister, but the decisive influence in Bihar remains firmly with King Nitish.