Newly sworn-in Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said he will begin work for the state immediately after taking oath, asserting that governance in Bihar would follow the "Modi-Nitish model." Choudhary became BJP's first-ever chief minister in Bihar on Wednesday, ushering in a new era for the saffron party and marking the conclusion of the Nitish Kumar era, the longest-serving of Bihar.
"I will start working for Bihar from today itself. Only the Modi Nitish model will work in Bihar," he said after the swearing-in ceremony.
PM Modi congratulates
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Choudhary, saying his grassroots experience will prove beneficial for the state.
"Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Shri Samrat Chaudhary on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar! His energy, dedication to public service, and grassroots experience will prove extremely beneficial for the state. I am fully confident that under his capable leadership, while fulfilling the aspirations of the people, Bihar will touch new heights of all-round development," PM Modi wrote in the post.
Choudhary officially took charge after Nitish Kumar's resignation and his move to the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant shift in the state. Soon after the ceremony, he began administrative work.
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed confidence in the new Chief Minister, saying Choudhary would carry forward Nitish Kumar’s legacy and address any shortcomings. “As Nitish Kumar ran the government for 20 years, we believe that if there were any gaps, Samrat Choudhary will fulfil them and take Bihar forward,” he said, adding that his own political journey was shaped by Kumar’s support.
BJP leader Dilip Jaiswal also welcomed the development, stating that Choudhary would work towards realising the vision of a developed Bihar under Nitish Kumar’s guidance.
The development marks the first time the BJP has secured the Chief Minister’s post in Bihar despite being part of the ruling NDA alliance for years. Earlier, Nitish Kumar continued as Chief Minister even after electoral victories, but his move to the Rajya Sabha opened the door for the BJP to take the lead.
Choudhary had earlier served as Deputy Chief Minister in the Nitish Kumar government. Following his elevation, JD U leaders Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Kumar Yadav were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. Nitish Kumar had long indicated his preference for Choudhary to take on a larger leadership role in the state.
