BSc (Hons) in Botany, Patna University, Bihar. 1990-2004, three terms as Member, Bihar Legislative Assembly; 1996-2004, Leader of the Opposition, Bihar Legislative Assembly; 2003-05, All India Vice-President, Bharatiya Janta Party; 2004-05, Member of Parliament. Since November 2005, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, India. Chairman, Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers. Interest: public finance.