Patna: The allocation of ministerial portfolios in Bihar’s Nitish Kumar cabinet has been finalized, with Samrat Choudhary appointed as the Home Minister. A member of the BJP, Choudhary is the first from his party to take on the significant law-and-order role since the BJP became part of the Bihar government in 2005. The careful allocation of responsibilities underlines the importance of the Home Department. While Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha and Nitin Nabin were given two major portfolios each, Choudhary is solely responsible for managing internal security.
As Home Minister, Choudhary holds considerable power over state law and order, with responsibilities including: complete oversight of police operations, authority to transfer IPS officers, management of prison administration, approval of VIP security measures, supervision of the Intelligence Bureau, partial oversight of District Magistrates and Commissioners, and preparation of proposals for law enactment or amendments. Analysts observe that this role carries both challenges and authority. “The Home Minister’s focus will be on upholding the rule of law, with a strict stance against crime, corruption, and criminality,” commented one expert. Additionally, it is noted that the BJP’s emphasis on law and order, often contrasted with the previous administration under the Lalu family, has influenced this appointment.
Reports suggest that 14 BJP ministers were assigned a total of 21 departments during the cabinet reshuffle. Choudhary, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the BJP Legislative Party, previously held the Finance and Commercial Tax portfolios. His rise is widely attributed to a promise from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to prepare him for a significant leadership position following his electoral success.
