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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.

Ambulance deployed for Deputy CM; critical patient dies


Ambernath: A tragic incident in Ambernath has raised serious concerns over medical negligence and administrative priorities after Meena Balraman Suryawanshi, a resident of Swami Nagar, died when an ambulance was reportedly unavailable. The vehicle had been deployed for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s visit to inaugurate the Dharmveer Anand Dighe Natyamandir.


According to local residents, Meena Suryawanshi suddenly fell critically ill and was rushed to the Chhaya Sub-District Hospital for urgent medical care. Citizens allege that there was a delay in providing immediate treatment despite her worsening condition.


After assessing her condition, doctors decided to refer Meena to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for advanced treatment. When residents requested an ambulance for the transfer, hospital staff reportedly told them that no ambulance was available because it had been assigned for VIP duty during the Deputy Chief Minister’s event.


Residents tried to arrange alternative transport, but precious time was lost. Tragically, Meena Balraman Suryawanshi passed away before she could be shifted.


Residents have expressed outrage over the incident, questioning how a government hospital could divert a critical emergency vehicle for a political function while a patient’s life was at stake. Locals also recalled that the same hospital had faced controversy a few years ago when 16 patients were allegedly given the wrong injection, raising concerns about recurring mismanagement and medical negligence.


Inquiry ordered

Dr. Shubhangi Wadekar, Medical Superintendent of Chhaya Sub-District Hospital, said she was aware of the incident and had ordered a detailed inquiry. “I will investigate the matter thoroughly and take strict action against those found responsible,” she stated.


Meanwhile, attempts to contact Civil Surgeon Kailash Pawar for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls.


While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’, Keshavan, a resident who was present during the incident, said, “The ambulance was occupied for a Deputy Chief Minister’s visit while Meena’s condition was critical. We tried everything to help, but precious minutes were lost. It’s heartbreaking that such negligence cost a life. This is not the first time something like this has happened — a few years ago, 16 patients at the same hospital were given the wrong injection.”


Social activist Mahesh Inkar said, “A woman who had suffered a heart attack was brought to Chhaya Sub-District Hospital in Ambernath for admission. Around the same time, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was visiting Ambernath for the inauguration of a theatre. As part of his security protocol, an ambulance from the Chhaya Sub-District Hospital was assigned to his visit.


During this period, the woman needed to be shifted to Thane or Mumbai for further treatment. Had an ambulance been available in time, it is possible her life could have been saved. Unfortunately, such incidents have occurred in the past as well.


Legal action must be taken against the doctors responsible in such cases, for negligence and dereliction of duty. Only then can we ensure such tragedies are not repeated in the future.”


Citizens are demanding a probe by the District Health Department to determine who authorised the use of the hospital ambulance for VIP duty and to ensure that such lapses do not occur again.


The death of Meena Balraman Suryawanshi has reignited debate over the misuse of public health resources for official events, highlighting the tension between VIP protocol and emergency medical care.

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