Bihar elections: Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary faces age, education controversies
What's the story
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary continues to be embroiled in a controversy over his age and educational qualifications. The questions were first raised by Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor. In his latest election affidavit, Choudhary lists his highest qualification as an "honorary" Doctor of Letters (DLitt) and a 'PFC' from Kamaraj University. However, he does not mention when he acquired these qualifications or the age at which he did so.
Legal controversies
Two pending election-related cases listed in affidavit
Choudhary's affidavit also lists two pending election-related cases against him, one from Patna in 2023 and another from Tarapur in 2014. However, it omits a 1995 case from Tarapur where Kishor alleges that Choudhary faked his age to be declared a minor for bail. In his current election affidavit, Choudhary declares his age as 56 according to the voter list, which would make him 26 in 1995.
Official response
DLitt degree honorary, pre-foundation course completed: Choudhary
When asked about Kishor's allegations, Choudhary clarified that his DLitt degree is honorary and he has completed a pre-foundation course (PFC), equivalent to Class 10 in some cases. He also dismissed the Tarapur case as a matter of court record. "I am not going to get provoked and would rather focus on my election campaign, which is around the development agenda," he said.
Political pressure
RJD, JD(U) demand clarification on 'fake degree'
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has also demanded a response from Choudhary on the age, Tarapur case, and education controversies. RJD spokesperson Subodh Kumar said it's "fashionable among the NDA to tarnish the image of RJD leaders." Ally Janata Dal (United) also urged Choudhary to clarify his age and educational details. JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar asked, "Let Samrat Choudhary tell us when he did the PFC course... We also have doubts over his honorary degree."
Political career
Choudhary's political career and upcoming elections
Choudhary has been politically active since the Samata Party days and was first elected as an MLA in 2000 from Parbatta in Khagaria district He joined the BJP in 2018 and was made Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council in 2022. His political legacy includes his father, Shakuni Choudhary, a prominent Kushwaha leader who served as an MP and Deputy Speaker. Despite Kishor's allegations, Choudhary remains a candidate for the upcoming elections amid seat-sharing negotiations with NDA allies.