Rift Emerges in Bihar’s NDA: JDU Leaders Criticize Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary

Begusarai, Bihar: Tensions have surfaced within the NDA in Bihar as the new year begins, with a visible rift between the BJP and JD(U). The controversy centers on a murder case in Begusarai, which has triggered criticism of Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary.

JD(U) Leader Voices Concerns
Gaurav Rana, JD(U) state vice-president and Begusarai native, directly criticized Samrat Chaudhary, saying the Home Department “is not being handled properly” under his leadership. This marks the first time in 20 years that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has entrusted the Home Ministry to the BJP instead of holding it himself, assigning Deputy Chief Minister Chaudhary this key responsibility.

The Incident That Sparked the Rift
The conflict traces back to a kidnapping in Begusarai on the night of 23 December 2025. Mobile shop owner Sumit Kumar, a resident of Panhas village under Lohia Nagar police station, was abducted by armed men while returning home after closing his shop. The family alerted the police, who reviewed CCTV footage to trace the incident.

Kidnapping Leads to Murder
Following investigation, the police located the vehicle used for the abduction and arrested the driver on 26 December. The driver admitted that Sumit Kumar had been murdered the same night near Rampur Pul in Cheriya Bariyarpur police jurisdiction and his body was dumped in the Gandak River. After days of searching, Sumit’s body was recovered near Basahi village on 30 December.

Political Fallout
In response to the incident, Gaurav Rana stated, “Since Samrat Chaudhary assumed charge of the Home Ministry, people feel unsafe. Kidnappings and murders are occurring repeatedly. Samrat Chaudhary should resign immediately.” Rana emphasized that he would continue speaking the truth, regardless of consequences.

The episode signals growing friction within Bihar’s NDA, indicating that internal disputes may emerge even in the government’s strongholds like Begusarai.