For the first time in nearly two decades, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has relinquished the crucial Home Ministry portfolio to Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the BJP. This makes Bihar one of the few Indian states with a divided power structure between the CM and Home Minister, reflecting evolving political dynamics.
In a landmark change, Nitish Kumar, who held Bihar’s Home Ministry since 2005, handed over this key portfolio to Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary following the recent assembly election victory. This marks a shift toward increased BJP influence in Bihar's governance. The Home Ministry, overseeing law and order and police, is typically retained by Chief Ministers due to its strategic significance.
Key Highlights:
Nitish Kumar retains several important departments, including General Administration and Vigilance, while BJP holds key ministries such as Home, Agriculture, and Disaster Management.
This division mirrors setups in a handful of states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, where the Home Ministry is with ministers other than the CM.
Samrat Choudhary’s control of Home signals growing political stature and positions him as a pivotal figure in Bihar’s law and order.
The move underscores evolving alliance dynamics, with BJP consolidating a larger governance role within the NDA partnership.
Analysts view this as the beginning of political transition in Bihar with potential grooming of future leadership within the coalition.
This division is expected to balance responsibilities and streamline focus on governance priorities amid complex state challenges.
Bihar’s new power-sharing arrangement marks a significant reorganization rarely seen in Indian states, with implications for political strategy and administration.
Sources: NDTV, Indian Express, India Today, News18