Who is Bihar BJP’s Real No. 2? Vijay Sinha Overtakes Samrat Choudhary in Power Game, Emerging as ‘Hard Taskmaster’

Patna: The internal power dynamics within the Bihar BJP have once again become a topic of political discussion, as the race for the party’s “real number two” position appears to be intensifying between the two Deputy Chief Ministers — Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.

While Samrat Choudhary initially seemed ahead in the hierarchy due to holding the powerful Home Department, recent political developments indicate that Vijay Sinha may now be gaining the upper hand in terms of public image, administrative influence, and political perception.

Samrat Got the Home Ministry, But Vijay is Gaining Ground

After the formation of the new government in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary was given the Home Ministry — a department believed to be Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s preferred portfolio, which he was reportedly reluctant to part with.

This move initially elevated Samrat’s stature within the BJP and projected him as a key power centre. However, political observers claim that despite the Home Ministry being under BJP, Bihar’s bureaucracy continues to remain largely influenced by Nitish Kumar, limiting the independent authority of the department holder.

In recent weeks, Samrat’s image has reportedly suffered due to controversies, particularly the Patna girls’ hostel incident, which brought embarrassment to both the government and the police administration, eventually forcing the state to recommend a CBI probe.

Vijay Sinha Builds Strong ‘Taskmaster’ Image

On the other hand, Deputy CM Vijay Sinha, who has been assigned the politically sensitive Land Revenue and Reforms Department, has been steadily building an image of a strict and action-oriented administrator.

The land revenue department is widely perceived as one of the most corruption-prone departments in Bihar, with repeated complaints from farmers and landowners against circle officers (COs) and revenue staff.

Vijay Sinha has launched direct action against corruption, initiated public hearings, and began holding officials accountable in front of citizens. His aggressive approach has earned him growing public support and increased media attention.

Handling CO Strike Turns the Tide

The turning point came when Vijay Sinha dealt firmly with the strike by circle officers. His strict and uncompromising stance reportedly projected him as a “hard taskmaster” within the administration, boosting his credibility among the public and within political circles.

Sources suggest that even senior bureaucrats, including those considered close to the Chief Minister’s inner circle, now hesitate before interfering in matters related to Vijay Sinha’s department, fearing political backlash.

Nitish Kumar’s Relationship with Both Leaders

Political insiders believe that Nitish Kumar maintains relatively closer personal ties with Samrat Choudhary. Samrat’s father, Shakuni Choudhary, is known to have been politically associated with Nitish Kumar in earlier years, creating a personal connection.

Vijay Sinha, however, is seen as a leader who has remained firmly rooted in BJP politics, and therefore does not fit easily into Nitish Kumar’s political calculations. As a result, observers note a visible “strategic distance” between the Chief Minister and Vijay Sinha.

From Turban Oath to Shifting Power Balance

Samrat Choudhary had once gained public attention for his dramatic political style, including his vow to not remove his turban until Nitish Kumar was removed from power. He was later appointed Bihar BJP president, strengthening his political standing.

However, after the BJP once again joined hands with Nitish Kumar, both Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha were made Deputy Chief Ministers to maintain balance within the party and coalition.

Now, the political narrative appears to be shifting, with Vijay Sinha emerging as a stronger contender in the battle of perception.

Vijay Seen Ahead in ‘Image Race’

With continuous action in the land reforms sector, quick decision-making, and a no-nonsense style, Vijay Sinha is currently being viewed as the more impactful leader in the BJP’s internal image race.

Political observers believe that while Samrat holds an influential ministry, Vijay’s growing popularity and administrative assertiveness may soon redefine the power structure within the Bihar BJP.