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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.

Jarange ends fast after govt's concrete plan

Pic: Bhushan Koyande
Pic: Bhushan Koyande

Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj-Jarange Patil finally ended his fast on Tuesday after the state government assured him that major demands raised by him are agreed to. Fresh government resolution (GR) was issued pertaining to setting up the procedures to grant Kunbi caste certificates to eligible individuals as per the entries in the Hyderabad gazetteer and mutually agreed time-line was agreed to for implementation of other demands raised by him.


Jarange-Patil was also informed that while the state government has already given Rs 15 crore to the next of kin of individuals deceased in the Maratha quota stir and the remaining money will be released within a week, eligible individuals from such families will be give jobs in state owned corporations. On demands regarding withdrawal of cases against the Maratha quota activists, the government told them that cases to be withdrawn in the various courts of law by this month-end.


The government sought two-weeks for setting up the procedures to grant Kunbi caste certificates to eligible individuals as per the entries in the Satara gazetteer citing legal issues. On over 58 lakh Kunbi entries found until now, the state government suggested that such names will be displayed at the Gram Panchayats.


The state government, however, remained non-committal over the key demands like blanket issuance of Kunbi status to all Marathas and widening the scope of Kunbi status to “sage soyre” (blood relations). Jarange-Patil was told that the state government has received over 8 lakh objections and suggestion and hence the administration would need time to study and clear these suggestions and objections. Essentially the things that the state government agreed to reiterated its earlier stated position.


The sub-committee was concerned about the decision taken by the state government should withstand legal validity. Therefore, the options are limited, said Vikhe-Patil. Jarange-Patil who had expressed disappointment with the government for not conceding his demands, expressed satisfaction over the GR and explained the provisions to his followers.

Earlier in the day Mumbai Police issued a notice to Jarange and his core team, asking them to vacate Azad Maidan immediately. The police said that while permission was granted for 5,000 protesters, more than 40,000 arrived from across Maharashtra which created chaos in south Mumbai. After the crowd’s approval, Jarange-Patil asked the ministers to ensure he gets to see the GR, which the ministers assured, would be served to him in an hour. Then Jarange-Patil formally announced that the agitation is over.


43-year-old Jarange has been on an indefinite fast demanding the inclusion of Marathas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. In February 2024 the state government led by then CM Eknath Shinde had given a 10 per cent quota to Marathas under SEBC during a special session held at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. The reservation before the court has not been stayed till now.

Azad Maidan erupts in joy

Mumbai: Scenes of triumph and jubilation unfolded at the historic Azad Maidan on Tuesday as Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange declared victory for his agitation after the Maharashtra government's cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Maratha quota accepted most of his demands.


Thousands of protesters, who gathered in the city in support of Jarange's hunger strike last week, cheered for him and were moved to tears as he said, "Jitlo re raje ho apan" (we have won my friends).

They hung on to the activist's every word as he read the draft of the cabinet sub-committee and erupted in joyful cries.


"I warn Vikhe Patil if there is any attempt to deceive us on implementation of the Government Resolution (GR) on implementation of the Hyderabad gazette, in which a three-member committee will be set up at village level, and promises like providing jobs to the kin of Maratha activists who lost their lives in protests, withdrawal of cases against protesters, we will not keep quiet. I will come to Vikhe's home and sit there till I die."

Manoj-Jarange Patil

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