Has BJP Made Samrat Choudhary the New Face of Bihar

Amit Shah’s Old Remark, Law & Order Portfolio Signal a Major Shift**

In a landmark political development, the BJP has, for the first time in 21 years, taken control of Bihar’s Home Ministry — a portfolio that Nitish Kumar had never allowed to slip from his hands, regardless of whether he governed with the NDA or the Mahagathbandhan.

By allocating the crucial Home Department to Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the BJP has not only asserted its dominance as the largest partner in the ruling coalition but also delivered on a long-standing demand that had been simmering beneath the surface.

Amit Shah’s Earlier Hint Now Looks Like a Clear Signal

Political observers note that the seeds of this moment were sown during the Bihar Assembly election campaign. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at a rally in Munger, had declared:
“You make Samrat Choudhary win from Tarapur, and we will make him a big leader.”

At the time, the remark was seen as a tactical endorsement. Today, it is being read as an unmistakable indication of BJP’s plan to project Samrat as its central face in Bihar’s politics.

By handing him the Home portfolio, the BJP leadership has sent a message — both internally and to the opposition — that Samrat Choudhary is now at the forefront of the party’s future strategy in the state.

A Portfolio Nitish Kumar Guarded for Two Decades

Nitish Kumar’s control over the Home Department had long been seen as the backbone of his governance model. His stewardship of law and order between 2005 and 2010 is often credited with pulling Bihar out of the shadow of “jungle raj.”

But this time, by yielding the ministry to the BJP, Nitish Kumar has signalled a new equation within the NDA — one where the balance of power clearly tilts in the saffron party’s favour.

A Strategic Gamble: BJP Seeks Grip Over Law & Order

Throughout the election campaign, the BJP sharply targeted the opposition on two issues:

• “Jungle raj” under RJD
• Illegal infiltration in the Seemanchal belt

With the NDA’s sweeping victory, experts believe the party wanted direct control over the machinery responsible for tackling these issues.

As Home Minister, Samrat Choudhary will now carry full responsibility for Bihar’s law and order, making him directly accountable for policing, crime control, and anti-infiltration measures. The move significantly expands his administrative influence, especially within the bureaucracy.

Samrat’s Rise: From Opposition to Centre Stage

Samrat Choudhary’s political journey has come full circle. Beginning his career in the RJD, he later joined the BJP, served as state party president, and rose rapidly to the position of Deputy Chief Minister.

The son of veteran Kushwaha leader Shakuni Choudhary, Samrat has long been regarded as one of Bihar’s most aggressive, articulate and organisationally strong leaders. With the Home portfolio in hand, he now holds the position of second-in-command in the cabinet.

A Crown of Thorns: Responsibility, Spotlight, and Criticism

However, the elevation comes with significant risks.

Traditionally, Nitish Kumar absorbed all political fire related to crime in Bihar — because he controlled the Home Department. With that mantle now passing to Samrat Choudhary, the opposition is preparing to shift its attacks squarely onto him.

The RJD has already hinted that it will hold the new Home Minister accountable for every crime spike, policing lapse or administrative failure.

In short, Samrat Choudhary now wears a crown of responsibility — and thorns.