Lakhanpur (Munger): Lakhanpur village, which had been gripped by an air of anticipation over the past few days, burst into celebration on Tuesday as its most prominent son, Samrat Choudhary, was unanimously chosen as the leader of BJP legislature party and later as the NDA leader. With Nitish Kumar stepping down as CM, the village that once watched his rise from afar now stands on the cusp of seeing him take charge of Bihar.For residents of Lakhanpur, situated in the eastern belt of the state, the moment carried the weight of history and emotion. What began as anxious speculation turned into festivity, as word of Choudhary’s elevation spread. “It is a golden day for the village residents of Lakhanpur as well as the districts of Munger, Banka and Bhagalpur besides other adjoining districts,” said a co-villager, describing the sense of pride at seeing a “son of the soil” poised to take over the reins of the state on Wednesday.Villagers recalled a young boy who once played cricket on dusty fields and grew into a leader commanding statewide influence. Two residents, speaking fondly of his early years, said Choudhary had been passionate about cricket since childhood and continued to pick up the bat even after entering politics. “Despite his busy schedule, he used to take to the cricket field and also encouraged sports in the village,” one of them said, painting a picture of a leader who never quite lost touch with his roots.That connection to Lakhanpur remains a defining trait, according to those who know him closely. “He is a simple person and intermingles with his fellow village residents like an ordinary man and without the restraints of protocol whenever he is at his native village Lakhanpur,” said another resident.Language, too, has been a bridge between Choudhary and his people. Several villagers pointed out that he prefers speaking in Angika, the local dialect of the region, when interacting with residents. They said he rarely confines himself indoors during visits, instead moving from one household to another, enquiring about people’s well-being and seeking suggestions on development needs. Such gestures, they believe, have cemented his bond with the community.Within the family, memories of his early political inclinations remain vivid. An elder cousin recalled that Choudhary displayed a keen interest in politics from a young age, often engaging in discussions about state and national developments with his father, former minister Shakuni Choudhary. “He learned the nuances of politics from his father,” the cousin said, adding with a note of pride, “We always knew he would become a big leader, and today he is going to become the CM of Bihar.”Beyond politics, Choudhary’s association with the village has extended into social initiatives. A resident closely associated with the family said he had been a consistent source of support for local youths and families. Through a social organisation named Nav Yuvak Sangh, he has contributed to community welfare, including assisting economically weaker families during their daughters’ marriages.Education, too, has been a focus for the family. Relatives and locals noted that institutions such as 10+2 schools, BEd colleges and BPharma institutes run in the region have helped reduce the need for students to migrate elsewhere for studies. They also credited Choudhary’s political acumen with strengthening BJP’s position in the state over the years.As news of his elevation spread, the mood in Lakhanpur turned festive. Residents expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi, Union minister Amit Shah and Nitish Kumar for backing Choudhary’s rise. “It is like Diwali night for us. Ghee diyas will be lit in every household,” said two villagers, adding that the entire village would be decorated with flowers upon his return.Even those working within his household spoke of his generosity. A staff member described the family as kind and helpful, saying no one returned empty-handed. He also pointed to a historic village well, established in 1856 and later renovated, as an example of efforts made for the welfare of locals.By evening, as the significance of the moment sank in, Lakhanpur began to empty in an unusual display of collective enthusiasm. Groups of villagers, including family members, hurriedly boarded vehicles bound for Patna, eager to stand beside their leader as he prepares to take oath.