CM Samrat Choudhary: Nitish Kumar donates salary to flood relief
Synopsis
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary announced that former CM and Rajya Sabha MP Nitish Kumar donated his salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for flood victims, with MLC Lalan Sarraf also contributing a cheque at the same event, attended by Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary.
Key Takeaways
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary shared the news on September 24, 2026 via social media.
Former CM and Rajya Sabha MP Nitish Kumar donated his salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for flood-affected people.
Legislative Council member Lalan Sarraf presented a cheque as his contribution at the same event.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary was present during the donation.
The Chief Minister's Relief Fund has a history of being used for Bihar flood assistance in previous years.
Bihar faces recurring annual flooding, particularly from rivers like the Kosi, prompting such cross-party relief gestures.
When floodwaters rise in Bihar, the gesture of giving cuts across political lines. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday, September 24, 2026, shared that former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Nitish Kumar donated his salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to aid flood-affected residents of the state.
Posting in Hindi, CM Choudhary noted that Nitish Kumar — bāṛh prabhāvitōṃ kī sahāyatā hetu (for the assistance of flood-affected people) — handed over his salary as a contribution to the fund. Legislative Council member Lalan Sarraf also presented a cheque at the occasion, adding his own contribution. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary was present at the event.
A cross-party gesture as Bihar's floods bite
The participation of both a former Chief Minister and a sitting legislator from different political positions signals something Bihar has seen before: when annual flooding strikes, public representatives reach across the aisle for relief efforts. Bihar's rivers — including the Kosi — have triggered similar donation drives in previous years, with the Chief Minister's Relief Fund serving as the formal channel for such contributions.
The practice of elected officials donating salaries during calamities is well-established across Indian states. In Bihar specifically, the Relief Fund has been activated during major flood events over the years, with contributions from legislators serving both as direct financial support and as a public signal of solidarity with affected communities.
What the fund does — and what comes next
The Chief Minister's Relief Fund pools contributions from public figures and institutions, directing resources toward immediate disaster response and rehabilitation for flood victims. With donations now confirmed from a Rajya Sabha MP, a Legislative Council member, and the Deputy Chief Minister in attendance, attention shifts to the actual disbursement — how quickly the funds reach affected districts, and whether more legislators announce contributions in the coming days.
The Bihar government's ability to channel both political goodwill and financial resources into tangible relief on the ground will be the real measure of this moment.
Point of View
Amplified by CM Samrat Choudhary on social media, reflects a well-worn Bihar political tradition: using the Chief Minister's Relief Fund as a visible, cross-party symbol of solidarity during flood crises. By highlighting a contribution from former CM Nitish Kumar — now a Rajya Sabha MP from JD(U) — the ruling BJP signals a cooperative rather than adversarial relationship with a key ally in the NDA coalition. These gestures carry real symbolic weight in Bihar, where annual flooding remains one of the most persistent governance challenges and voters closely watch how leaders respond. The deeper question, as always, is whether the public display translates into timely, effective disbursement on the ground.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nitish Kumar donate his salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund?
Nitish Kumar donated his salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to assist flood-affected residents of Bihar. The donation was highlighted by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on September 24, 2026.
What is the Chief Minister's Relief Fund in Bihar?
The Chief Minister's Relief Fund is a state government fund that pools contributions from public figures and institutions to provide financial assistance during natural disasters like floods and other calamities in Bihar.
Who is Lalan Sarraf and what did he do?
Lalan Sarraf is a Bihar Legislative Council member (MLC) who presented a cheque as his personal contribution to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund at the same event where Nitish Kumar's donation was made.
Who was present when Nitish Kumar donated to Bihar flood relief?
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary was present at the event when Nitish Kumar and Lalan Sarraf made their contributions to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Does Bihar face regular flooding every year?
Yes, Bihar experiences recurring annual floods, particularly from rivers like the Kosi. The state has a history of activating the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and soliciting public contributions during flood events.
