In a groundbreaking move, Shambhavi Choudhary, the NDA candidate from the Samastipur Lok Sabha constituency in north Bihar, is on the verge of making history. At just 25 years old, Choudhary is set to become the youngest Member of Parliament (MP) in India's Lok Sabha. Her remarkable rise in politics marks a significant milestone in the country's democratic landscape.
A Young Leader on the Rise
According to an affidavit filed with her nomination papers for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Choudhary is only 25 years old. Her youth, however, hasn't deterred her from taking significant strides in the political arena. Hailing from a politically influential family, she is the daughter of Ashok Kumar Choudhary, a senior minister in the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar. Despite her family's political background, this election marks her debut in electoral politics.
Commanding Lead in Samastipur
Choudhary's candidature has resonated strongly with the voters in the Samastipur constituency, a reserved seat. She was leading her opponent Sunny Hazari by over 100,000 votes, according to the latest reports. Hazari, the son of JD(U) minister Maheshwar Hazari, switched allegiance to the Indian National Congress (INC) before the elections. The familial political rivalry added a unique twist to the election dynamics, as Maheshwar Hazari could not campaign for his son due to their differing political affiliations.
Shambhavi Choudhary received substantial support from high-profile political figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself campaigned on her behalf, highlighting the importance of her victory for the NDA. Additionally, Choudhary is the daughter-in-law of former IPS officer Kishore Kunal, a prominent figure in the Ayodhya Ram Temple case and the chairman of the Mahavir Temple Trust in Patna. Her connections and endorsements played a pivotal role in bolstering her campaign.
Joining Forces with Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Choudhary formally aligned herself with the Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). This strategic move further solidified her political standing and expanded her support base. The Samastipur seat holds historical significance for the LJP, as it was previously won by Prince Raj, son of former MP Ram Chandra Paswan, in the 2019 elections. The INC's Ashok Ram was the runner-up in that election. Ram Chandra Paswan, the younger brother of the late union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, had also secured a victory from Samastipur in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
A New Chapter in Bihar's Political Landscape
Shambhavi Choudhary's impending victory signifies more than just a personal achievement; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bihar's political landscape. Her youth, coupled with her political acumen and support system, positions her as a transformative figure in Indian politics. As she steps into her role as the youngest MP in the Lok Sabha, Choudhary is set to inspire a new generation of political leaders and redefine the future of Indian democracy.