Is the 'Yogi Model' coming to Bihar? 5 reasons why the BJP wanted the Home Ministry for Samrat Chaudhary

In a major revamp, the BJP will hold the portfolio of the Home Department in Bihar, for    the first time in five decades. This is also the first time that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish  Kumar will hand over the key portfolio to someone else in the ministry.

This is considered a crucial move as many view it as a reflection of the BJP’s growing political influence in the state and an indication of its plan to take over Bihar in a few years. However, political pundits view this as a calculated move that could benefit both the JD(U) and the BJP in Bihar. Here is why:

 

1) Replicating the ‘Yogi Adithyanath’ model

Many believe one reason the BJP insisted that Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary  keep the home portfolio is to replicate the ‘Yogi model governance’ in Bihar. UP Chief  Minister and senior BJP leader Yogi Adityanath’s strict tackling of criminal gangs has won many votes for the BJP both in the state and outside.

There are already indications that Chaudhary might follow the same pattern after the recent police action against Shivdutt Rai, a notorious criminal in Begusarai. People see  this as a sign of Samrat Chaudhary's strict style. The Deputy Chief Minister also hinted at the same in his interview to journalists' questions about implementing the Yogi model. "Criminals are in trouble in Bihar. They will now have to leave Bihar," said Chaudhary.

2) Nitish’s bid to protect himself

Political circles believe Nitish Kumar has made a calculated move. The opposition will now target the BJP, not Nitish Kumar, in cases of a deteriorating law and order situation. He wants to shield himself from criticism of crime control. By retaining the General Administration Department, Nitish Kumar aims to maintain the balance of power. The Home Ministry is considered a "crown of thorns" and, if not performed, could even impact a political career.

3) To seize power in Bihar

The BJP is yet to have a Chief Minister in Bihar, and its next move is to seize control of the state. By assigning the Home portfolio to Samrat Chaudhary, the BJP is furthering its strategy to prepare for the next Chief Ministerial candidate. This time, the BJP has 14 ministers in the cabinet, while the JDU has only 8. This figure clearly indicates that the BJP is now moving towards becoming self-reliant and seizing power in Bihar.

4) Furthering Samrat Chaudhary’s stature

Getting the Home Department means that Samrat Chaudhary will be responsible for the state’s law and order and police department. This move enhances Samrat Choudhary's political stature. That said, this will also be a challenge for Chaudhary as it was his prompt handling of the Home that earned Nitish Kumar his tag of “Sushasan Babu” after decades of “Jungle Raj”. Controlling crime in the state will be his biggest test. He will have to live up to the BJP's expectations and prove his leadership abilities. If he succeeds, the BJP could project him as its big face in Bihar very soon.

5) Fulfillment of Amit Shah’s promise

During campaigning for the Bihar elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said at a rally in Tarapur how the party would make Chaudhary a big man if the voters chose him. "Vote for Samrat Choudhary and make him win, and we will make him a big man." After the election results were announced, the BJP re-elected Samrat Choudhary as the legislative party leader and retained him as Deputy CM. He was also given the Home Department, which Nitish Kumar held during his 20 years as CM. This is being seen as a fulfillment of Amit Shah's promise made at the Tarapur rally.

 

India