Nitish Kumar Publicly Signals Preference For Samrat Choudhary As Successor
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar signals deputy CM Samrat Choudhary as preferred successor ahead of Rajya Sabha shift.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday publicly signaled his preference for Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary as his successor. Speaking at a public event in Jamui during the fourth leg of his ongoing “Samriddhi Yatra,” Nitish Kumar placed his hand on Choudhary’s shoulder and appealed to the public to support him in the coming days.
With a smile, Nitish said, “Now he (Samrat) would handle all the work,” urging people to bless Choudhary. JD(U) leader and cabinet minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary was also present at the event. Political observers noted that this marks a more explicit endorsement than previous hints, as Nitish prepares to move to the Rajya Sabha and step down as chief minister next month.
The statement has fueled speculation about Choudhary’s potential elevation to the state’s top post. As deputy CM and holder of the crucial Home Department portfolio—the first time Nitish has ceded this department in 20 years—Choudhary is considered among the front-runners for the chief ministership. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in the last assembly elections, is likely to push for his elevation.
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Choudhary represents the Tarapur Assembly constituency and belongs to the Kushwaha community, the second-largest OBC group in Bihar after the Yadavs. Analysts suggest that his potential elevation could help the BJP consolidate support among non-Yadav OBC voters, strengthening the party’s position in the state. Choudhary is also the son of veteran politician Shakuni Choudhary.
Agriculture Minister and BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav said that NDA leaders will soon decide on Nitish Kumar’s successor. With Nitish giving a clear signal in favor of Choudhary, political calculations are expected to intensify as the state prepares for a leadership transition next month.
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