Bihar is entering a new political era with Samrat Chaudhary becoming the state’s 24th Chief Minister. He inherited his political legacy from his father, Shakuni Chaudhary, a well-known leader in Bihar.
Early Political Life and Beginnings
Samrat Chaudhary’s political journey began at a young age within the National Janata Dal (RJD). Interestingly, he initially learned the ropes of politics under Lalu Prasad Yadav’s mentorship, despite now opposing the RJD and Tejashwi Yadav.
Moreover, Samrat’s early steps in politics were significantly influenced by his father, Shakuni Chaudhary, a socialist leader who eventually aligned with Nitish Kumar.
Rise to Power and Early Controversies
At just 19 years old, Samrat became a minister, but his career faced a major setback. In 1999, Bihar’s then Governor, Surajbhan, dismissed him due to age-related controversy. His official documents listed conflicting ages, which led to his dismissal.
Despite this, Samrat Chaudhary did not give up. He later joined the BJP, where he gradually built a strong political profile.
Controversy and Rebound: Dismissal and Political Struggles
The controversy surrounding Samrat’s age and his removal from office became a significant chapter in his career. He faced legal charges for allegedly providing false information regarding his age. Moreover, his documents showed discrepancies between his claimed age and school certificates.
Despite these setbacks, Samrat rebounded, building a solid base within the BJP. Over time, his political fortunes changed, and he emerged stronger in the political arena.
Breaking Myths: From Deputy CM to Chief Minister
Samrat Chaudhary is one of the few political figures in Bihar who have made the transition from Deputy CM to Chief Minister. Karpuri Thakur was the only other leader who achieved this feat, making Samrat’s rise quite exceptional.
Unlike others like Suhail Kumar Modi, Tar Kishore Prasad, or Tejashwi Yadav, who failed to break the Deputy CM to CM barrier, Samrat Chaudhary has now made his mark.
Political Evolution: From RJD to BJP
Starting his career with RJD, Samrat Chaudhary shifted alliances over time. He later joined the Janata Dal United (JDU) before moving to BJP, a significant political change that defined his career.
In 2014, when Nitish Kumar appointed Jitan Ram Manjhi as CM, Samrat Chaudhary also served as a minister in Manjhi’s government. This shift marked his growing influence in state politics.
The Struggles and Controversies Along the Way
Samrat Chaudhary’s political life has not been without controversy. Early in his career, he faced questions regarding his educational qualifications, with some alleging discrepancies in his degree.
Furthermore, in the 2025 assembly elections, his degree again became a topic of debate. Despite such controversies, Samrat continued to rise through the ranks, maintaining his political relevance.
Additionally, strategist Prashant Kishore made allegations against Samrat, creating further political friction. Despite these challenges, Samrat proved his resilience in overcoming obstacles and advancing his career.
