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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.

The Intense Battle for Mumbai’s Top Police Positions

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

The Intense Battle for Mumbai’s Top Police Positions

A few DCP positions and one Additional CP post are currently vacant, and there is an expectation that they will be filled after the Ganesh festival. In my opinion, the contenders for these positions include Dr. Sudhakar Pathare, who is DCP Thane (Zone 4), S. B. Gunjal, DCP Thane (Zone 3), and Vivek Pansare, DCP Navi Mumbai (Zone 1). If you are wondering why I have mentioned these three, read on to find out.

Dr. Sudhakar Pathare was recently transferred to Satara as SP, but the current SP, Sameer Sheikh, persuaded CM Eknath Shinde to stop the transfer—it seems possible only in Maharashtra, especially for the CM’s home district! With a stay order in place, Pathare has approached a powerful Thane politician to secure a Mumbai DCP role. Given that Pathare is due for promotion in the next 3-4 months, it might be more prudent to wait for his promotion and then assign him a suitable position in Mumbai.

Vivek Pansare, based in Navi Mumbai, has set his sights on the Social Service Branch of the Mumbai Police rather than a minor position in Mumbai. Beyond the responsibilities listed on their website, this post involves conducting raids on hotels and pubs—arguably one of the “most profitable per night” operations in the city. This crucial role helps regulate Mumbai’s nightlife and curtail illegal activities.

S.B. Gunjal is weary of the daily pressures in Thane and is eager to transfer to Mumbai as DCP. However, he’s looking for a post where “aamdani atthani, kharcha nahi” applies—meaning he wants to live within his salary without the added lifestyle temptations of a high-profile zone like Mumbai Zone 9, where expenses could far exceed his earnings. He is quite adamant about being posted in Zones 6, 7, or 12, where there’s less “attention” and fewer distractions.

Any posting, whether in the IAS or IPS is highly coveted for Mumbai MMR, as it is considered the power centre. Whether you’re in Navi Mumbai or Thane, the influence of Mumbai remains the same. So, everyone in their lifetime once wants to be a part of the great power, and in the government posting circles, time spent here is considered a golden period for these officers.

I know of an IPS officer who has managed to retain his posting in Mumbai for more than eight years due to his wife. a Mumbai school headmistress who enjoys the lifestyle of a westernised Mumbaikar. Unfortunately for this well-meaning IPS officer, even if he wishes to explore postings in other cities, the wife uses her connections and ensures he remains in Mumbai!

I also know of a female IPS officer in Mumbai with a reputation for being ‘dangerous’ in her relentless pursuit of preferred postings that have been side-posted. Her domineering nature is well-known, often causing friction with other Additional CPs. In contrast, her husband, also an IPS officer, is diligent and non-interfering, quietly focusing on his duties. Despite her efforts, her superiors seemingly ignore her demands, and one can’t help but feel some sympathy for her.

Now, coming back to the three ‘mahashays’ from Thane and Navi Mumbai vying for Mumbai postings, they are all leveraging their connections to advance. Interestingly, their source is the same influential politician from Thane. However, with the Home Ministry now under Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, only the DGP, the Thane Commissioner, and the Home Minister must make decisions about these postings—not any politician from Thane. As the competition heats up, ensuring a fair process is crucial for selecting the most qualified candidates.

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

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