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By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

From legacy to leadership

Samrat Choudhary's ascent reflects legacy, caste dynamics, and political shifts Patna:  The rise of Samrat Choudhary in Bihar's political landscape is not merely the story of an individual's success, but a reflection of a long political tradition, evolving social equations, and shifting power dynamics over time. Following his election as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's legislative wing, his elevation to the chief minister's office appears almost certain, which is marking a decisive...

From legacy to leadership

Samrat Choudhary's ascent reflects legacy, caste dynamics, and political shifts Patna:  The rise of Samrat Choudhary in Bihar's political landscape is not merely the story of an individual's success, but a reflection of a long political tradition, evolving social equations, and shifting power dynamics over time. Following his election as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's legislative wing, his elevation to the chief minister's office appears almost certain, which is marking a decisive milestone in a political journey spanning more than three and half decades. Over the years, his political journey traversed multiple parties, including the Congress, Samata Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United), and Hindustani Awam Morcha. His name did surface in a high-profile criminal case in 1995, though he was later acquitted due to lack of evidence. Samrat Choudhary's mother Parvati Devi was also politically active and was elected as an MLA from Tarapur in a 1998 by-election. Among his siblings, Rohit Choudhary is associated with the JD(U) and is active in the education sector, while Dharmendra Choudhary is engaged in social work. His wife, Mamta Kumari, has also been actively involved during election campaigns. The family includes a son Pranay and a daughter Charu Priya. Choudhary entered active politics in 1990, beginning his career with the RJD. In 1999, he became Agriculture Minister in the Rabri Devi government, though his appointment was mired in controversy over his age, eventually forcing him to step down. He later parted ways with the RJD, moved to the JD(U), and ultimately joined the BJP. Since 2018, his stature within the BJP has steadily grown, culminating in his appointment as the party's Bihar state president in 2022. Controversy Man With the beginning of his new innings in the BJP, Choudhary once again found himself in the spotlight, this time over questions surrounding his educational qualifications. Allegations regarding the validity of the degree mentioned in his election affidavit became part of political discourse. The opposition, particularly Prashant Kishor, raised the issue forcefully during the elections. However, the controversy failed to gain substantive traction and remained confined to political rhetoric, with no significant impact on electoral outcomes. Hailing from the Tarapur region of Munger district, Choudhary's identity is deeply rooted in this region. Historically influential, the region has provided a strong social and political base for both him and his family. Belonging to the Kushwaha (Koeri) community, he represents a crucial social base in Bihar's caste equations. This makes his role significant in the 'Lav-Kush' (Kurmi-Koeri) political dynamic that has shaped the state's politics for decades. Sharp Turns Choudhary's political journey has been marked by sharp turns and contradictions. At one stage, he was among the fiercest critics of Nitish Kumar, even declaring that he would not remove his traditional 'Muraitha' (a kind of turban) until Kumar was unseated from power. Yet, as political equations shifted, Choudhary not only consolidated his position within the BJP but also emerged as a key figure in power-sharing arrangements with Nitish Kumar. After 2020, when Sushil Kumar Modi was moved to national politics, new opportunities opened up for Choudhary. He became a member of the Legislative Council, later served as Leader of the Opposition, and eventually rose to become state president. His political stature further expanded when, following Nitish Kumar's return to the NDA, Choudhary was entrusted with the dual roles of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, which is an unprecedented move in Bihar's political framework. Despite his rise, controversies have not been entirely absent from his career. Questions regarding his age and educational qualifications surfaced intermittently, though their long-term political impact remained limited. Today, Samrat Choudhary stands at the center of Bihar's political stage. His ascent is not merely the result of personal ambition but the outcome of a deep political legacy, an understanding of social dynamics, and strong organisational acumen. The real test now lies in how he transforms this legacy into effective governance and development. Strengthening law and order and meeting public expectations will be crucial. The people of Bihar are watching closely, and only time will determine how successfully he rises to the occasion.

A Century of Service and Nation-Building

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks a hundred years since its founding in 1925, it stands as one of the most influential social organizations in modern India. Over the past century, the RSS has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s social fabric, promoting unity, fostering selfless service, and building institutions that continue to impact millions of lives.


Foundational vision

The RSS was founded in Nagpur in 1925 by Dr. Keshav BaliramHedgewar with the aim of revitalizing India’s cultural identity and strengthening society from within. At a time when the nation was struggling under colonial rule, Hedgewar envisioned a disciplined, united, and culturally rooted society that could shoulder the responsibility of nation-building.


The daily shakhas (discipline and training gatherings) became the cornerstone of RSS activity, instilling values of physical fitness, teamwork, character building, and devotion to the nation among ordinary citizens.


Social Service

One of the greatest contributions of the RSS has been its unparalleled commitment to relief and rehabilitation during natural calamities and crises. Be it the Bengal famine of 1943, the 1971 cyclone in Odisha, the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, the 2004 tsunami, or the recent COVID-19 pandemic, RSS swayamsevaks were among the first on the ground, providing food, medical care, rescue operations, and rehabilitation efforts.


The COVID-19 crisis particularly highlighted the Sangh’s organizational discipline. Lakhs of swayamsevaks across India delivered oxygen cylinders, cooked meals, arranged transport for migrants, and set up blood and plasma donation camps, reflecting the Sangh’s ethos of selfless service (seva).


Nation building

RSS has nurtured and inspired a wide ecosystem of social, educational, and service-oriented organizations under its umbrella, collectively known as the Sangh Parivar. Some of its most impactful initiatives include:

  • Vidya Bharati Schools – Among the largest educational networks in India, imparting value-based and affordable education in thousands of schools.

  • Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram – Working for the welfare of tribal communities by promoting education, healthcare, and empowerment.

  • Seva Bharati – Running thousands of service projects including hospitals, orphanages, skill centers, and programs for marginalized communities.

  • Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) – One of India’s largest student organizations, shaping young leadership in universities.

  • Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) – A trade union that advocates for workers’ rights while balancing national interest with economic growth.


These organizations demonstrate the RSS philosophy of empowering society not through political power alone, but through grassroots institutions that touch every aspect of life.


Cultural renaissance

The RSS has consistently emphasized India’s civilizational ethos – the philosophy of VasudhaivaKutumbakam (“the world is one family”). Through daily shakhas, cultural programs, and festivals, it has promoted pride in India’s heritage, traditions, and languages.


Importantly, the RSS has sought to unify a diverse and pluralistic India by building a shared cultural consciousness. In regions where caste divisions and social inequalities have historically weakened communities, swayamsevaks have worked to dismantle barriers, promote harmony, and foster collective responsibility.


While the RSS itself is a cultural and social organization, it has inspired many leaders who went on to play key roles in India’s democratic and political landscape. Its ideological commitment to nationalism, integrity, and discipline influenced the formation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in the 1950s and later the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which today forms the largest political party in the world.


Many leaders, including former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have roots in RSS shakhas. The Sangh’s training has equipped countless public figures with organizational skills and a deep sense of commitment to national service.


Global outreach

Over the last century, the RSS has also inspired organizations abroad. The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), active in over 40 countries, brings together the Indian diaspora to preserve cultural identity while contributing to their adopted homelands. From community service projects in the US and UK to cultural awareness programs in Africa and Asia, the HSS reflects the Sangh’s global outlook.


The Sangh family also nurtured Rashtra Sevika Samiti (founded in 1936), the largest voluntary women’s organization in the world. It empowers women through leadership training, education, and community service, and has produced several influential leaders in various sectors.


The true strength of the RSS lies not in power or numbers alone, but in its century-old philosophy of disciplined, silent, and sustained service. Today, with millions of active and dedicated swayamsevaks, it represents one of the most organized civil society movements in the world.


As it celebrates its centenary, the RSS continues to stand as a living example of how cultural rootedness, community service, and organizational discipline can transform a nation. Its motto, “Seva hi Param Dharma” (Service is the Highest Duty), remains the guiding principle of its journey from 1925 to 2025 – a hundred years of unbroken commitment to society and the nation.


(The writer is a BJP official based in Thane. Views personal.)

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