In a poignant moment marking both personal and political milestones, former minister Shakuni Choudhary celebrated his 90th birthday in Patna, witnessing the culmination of a decades-old strategy. The veteran leader, father of senior BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, declared that the seeds of the 'Luv-Kush' equation he sowed to combat the lawlessness of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's regime have finally borne fruit.
A Birthday Visit and a Political Legacy
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar personally visited Shakuni Choudhary at his son's official residence in Patna to extend birthday wishes. The occasion turned into a reflection on political journeys and alliances. Nitish Kumar praised Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, assuring his support by stating, "We are with him. He is doing well and will reach new heights in his career." In a symbolic gesture, the Chief Minister lit an earthen lamp and released balloons.
Nitish Kumar, accompanied by Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, not only congratulated the nonagenarian but also advised him to stay in Patna. Pointing towards Samrat, Nitish said, "Look how far he has come. Your son will go very far. We are with him. So, you should stay here now." A special ceremony was organized to mark the event where Nitish and Shakuni reminisced about old times.
The Fruition of the Luv-Kush Strategy
Speaking to reporters, Shakuni Choudhary elaborated on his historic political maneuver. He revealed that he had created the 'Luv-Kush' equation to rid Bihar of what he termed "Lalu's terror." This strategy leveraged the unity of the Kurmi (represented by Nitish Kumar as 'Luv') and Kushwaha (represented by his son Samrat as 'Kush') communities.
"The seed I sowed is bearing fruit today," Shakuni stated with evident pride. "It is a matter of great happiness today that the son of Luv-Kush is the CM and deputy CM." He highlighted that Nitish Kumar himself was a product of that political movement, which was led by the late George Fernandes after the formation of the Samata Party in 1994.
A Significant Portfolio and a Measured Stance
The current political arrangement holds historical significance. For the first time in his 20-year tenure at the helm of Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has agreed to hand over the crucial Home Department to another leader. The BJP named Samrat Choudhary for the Home Minister's portfolio, a major responsibility.
While his father and the CM spoke of shared history, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary used measured language to define his current position. He described himself as a political associate of Nitish Kumar and emphasized that he is working under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shakuni Choudhary's own political journey is a testament to Bihar's shifting alliances:
- He was born on January 4, 1936, in Lakhanpur village, Munger district.
- He began in the RJD but left due to differences with Lalu Prasad Yadav.
- He started his elected journey as an independent MLA from Tarapur in 1985.
- He later joined the Congress and was elected MLA in 1990.
- He then moved to the Samata Party upon its formation.
- In a twist, he won an election on an RJD ticket in 2000 and served as a minister in Rabri Devi's government.
The Choudhary family is considered to have a stronghold on the Kushwaha community, a factor that continues to play a key role in Bihar's caste-based political calculus. The 90th birthday celebration thus served as a powerful narrative of a political vision realized, with one generation's strategy materializing in the success of the next.
