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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.

Devendra Fadnavis emerges as the strategic game-changer

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Devendra Fadnavis emerges as the strategic game-changer

In the election season all eyes are turning towards Maharashtra, where the political landscape is intensifying as the state eagerly awaits its own Assembly election dates. Maharashtra’s elections are expected to be a litmus test for the ruling and opposition alliances, reflecting broader trends that may shape the national political narrative leading up to the general elections. The outcome of these elections is likely to hinge on several factors, with infrastructure and development emerging as critical determinants for the key players.

A central figure in Maharashtra’s infrastructure transformation has been former Chief Minister and current Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. During his first term, Fadnavis faced several challenges as his government encountered criticism on multiple issues, particularly regarding farmer distress, rising unemployment, and insufficient relief efforts during severe droughts. However, despite these hurdles, Fadnavis was instrumental in reshaping the state’s infrastructure landscape. He is credited with not only initiating and advancing major projects like expressways, highways, and metro systems but also with establishing a dedicated office to track and expedite these developments. His office focused on both large-scale projects and urban infrastructure, reflecting his commitment to comprehensive state development.

Under Fadnavis’s leadership, key infrastructure projects such as the coastal road, the trans-harbour link, and the metro network have been fast-tracked. His efforts were pivotal in reviving the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), a project dormant for over five decades, and advancing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, India’s first high-speed rail project. Additionally, he played a crucial role in garnering support for the Versova-Virar Sea Link and overcoming challenges related to the Mumbai Metro Line 3.

“Fadnavis model of governance” turned Maharashtra into an investment hub, attracting both domestic and international business through initiatives like the “Magnetic Maharashtra Summit” and “Make in Maharashtra.” These efforts, combined with youth-centric policies like the “Skill Development Mission” and the “Startup Policy,” boosted economic growth and job creation. Fadnavis’s strategic approach has left a lasting impact, with the current government continuing to follow the blueprint he established. This dedication to advancing infrastructure has been a cornerstone of his leadership and has solidified his position as a towering figure in Maharashtra politics.

Recent attacks from Uddhav Thackeray highlight Fadnavis’s growing influence and the opposition’s recognition of him as a major threat. His growing influence has prompted calculated moves by opponents who fear his popularity and effectiveness as a mass leader. His strategic actions and grassroots mobilisation have been pivotal in shaping the BJP’s success in Maharashtra, especially since 2014 when the party, under his leadership, won 122 seats in the assembly elections.

During Eknath Shinde’s swearing-in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister in June 2022, Devendra Fadnavis initially stated that he would not be part of the new administration. Nevertheless, following a directive from the central leadership and in the interest of maintaining party unity, Fadnavis agreed to serve as Deputy Chief Minister. His decision to abide by the party’s decision, despite facing personal and political challenges, underscores his deep commitment to the party and its broader goals. Fadnavis’s sense of responsibility and loyalty to the BJP has been evident in his efforts to stabilise the newly formed Mahayuti government and redirect the state’s development agenda, which had stalled during the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi administration.

Both the RSS and the BJP’s central leadership believe that, if the BJP is to win the upcoming assembly election, Fadnavis remains central to the party’s strategy. His leadership, popularity, and organisational skills are seen as crucial assets as the BJP prepares for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Projecting Fadnavis as the face of the party— the “Vikas Purush” is considered essential for navigating the challenges ahead and regaining power in the state.

(The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal)

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