Bihar’s political landscape has witnessed a significant power shift as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar relinquishes control of the Home Department for the first time in two decades. This crucial portfolio, long considered the bedrock of his administrative authority, has now been assigned to Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, a prominent figure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This move signals a notable recalibration within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. While the BJP now commands the Home Department, the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) has secured the Finance and Commercial Taxes portfolios. BJP leaders have characterized this as a necessary “rebalancing” of power, reflecting the current seat distribution within the alliance, where the BJP holds 89 seats compared to the JD(U)’s 43.
Despite the change, JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar emphasized that this decision should not be overanalyzed. He stated that all significant governmental actions would continue to be guided by Nitish Kumar’s leadership and that law and order, a traditional strength of the JD(U), will remain a priority.
However, political observers suggest this development marks a curtailment of the Chief Minister’s authority. Under the new arrangement, Nitish Kumar will reportedly only be involved in Home Department matters in cases of disputes or disagreements between the Home Secretary and the Home Minister. Decisions on law and order and internal security will now primarily rest with Samrat Choudhary.
Historically, Bihar’s administrative structure, which separates magisterial and police powers, has presented challenges. Attempts to reform this system, initiated even during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure and continued by Nitish Kumar, were previously resisted by IAS officers and never materialized. This means files related to law and order will no longer flow directly to the Chief Minister in his capacity as Home Minister, altering his day-to-day administrative involvement.
This shift is particularly striking given Choudhary’s recent political standing. For 20 years, Nitish Kumar consistently held onto the Home Department, navigating various coalition governments. Even when facing pressure from alliances, he maintained a firm grip on this vital ministry. The current decision underscores a new dynamic in Bihar’s governance, with the BJP now holding significant leverage.