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...

min read

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.

From World Cup Glory to Prison Walls

Bhalchandra Chorghade
Feb 22
3 min read

The Moral Test of Pakistan’s Democracy Over Imran Khan's saga.

The image of Imran Khan lifting the Cricket World Cup trophy at Cricket World Cup in Melbourne in 1992 remains one of the most indelible and enduring moments in cricket history. As captain of Pakistan’s national team, he was not merely a tactician but a talisman, a leader who transformed belief into victory. Decades later, that same figure now finds himself incarcerated, facing multiple legal battles and at the centre of allegations that he is being subjected to inhumane treatment in prison.

The reports of alleged torture and denial of basic rights, whether fully substantiated or not, have triggered concern not only within Pakistan but across the cricketing world. What elevates this episode beyond domestic politics is the intervention of former World Cup–winning captains, who have reportedly written to Pakistani authorities urging humane treatment for Khan. These are not fringe voices. They are men who understand what it means to carry the weight of a nation’s expectations on their shoulders, to stand under global scrutiny and to emerge victorious. Their appeal is less about politics and more about principle.

Imran Khan is not just another politician under investigation. He is a former head of government and before that, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated sporting icons. The arc of his public life, from Oxford-educated fast bowler to philanthropist who built the Shaukat Khanum cancer hospital in memory of his mother, to prime minister, is woven into Pakistan’s national narrative. His political career has been polarising; his tenure in office drew both praise and criticism. Yet, in a constitutional democracy, disagreement with a leader’s policies or ideology cannot justify cruelty.

The essence of a mature republic lies in its treatment of those who fall from power. Democracies are tested not when they honour leaders in office but when they hold them accountable after office. If Imran Khan has committed legal violations, he must face due process in accordance with the law. That is the foundation of constitutional governance. But due process is incompatible with torture, humiliation or deliberate degradation. Allegations of mistreatment, if proven, would not merely tarnish Pakistan’s global image, but would undermine the credibility of its justice system.

The letter from former cricket captains carries symbolic weight. Cricket in Pakistan is not a mere sport; it is a social adhesive, a shared emotional vocabulary. When global cricketing figures speak out, they are invoking that shared heritage. They are reminding Pakistani authorities that the world is watching, not to interfere in sovereignty but to insist that universal human rights standards be upheld.

It is also important to maintain realism. Political detentions in South Asia are rarely devoid of controversy. Competing narratives often swirl, one side alleging victimisation, the other asserting lawful prosecution. Responsible commentary must acknowledge this complexity. Allegations of torture must be independently verified. Emotion cannot substitute evidence. However, transparency is precisely what is needed. Independent medical examinations, access to legal counsel and open court proceedings would help dispel rumours and restore institutional confidence.

For Pakistan, this moment is about more than one man. It is about institutional maturity. The country has endured decades of civil-military tensions, political upheavals and contested mandates. Each crisis offers an opportunity either to regress into retribution or to advance toward rule-based governance. Treating a former prime minister with dignity, regardless of political rivalry, would signal the latter.

Imran Khan’s cricketing legacy ensures that he will never be a peripheral figure. The memory of 1992 still evokes pride among millions. That history does not place him above the law. But it does demand that he be treated in accordance with it, not as an enemy to be crushed, but as a citizen entitled to legal safeguards.

In the final analysis, justice devoid of humanity ceases to be justice. If Pakistan aspires to democratic resilience, it must demonstrate that accountability and compassion can coexist. The world’s cricket captains have made a moral appeal. It is now for Pakistan’s institutions to respond not defensively, but with transparency, fairness and adherence to the rule of law.