Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh. File | Photo credit: PTI
Union Minister Giriraj Singh is scheduled to present the Bharat Ratna to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday (December 25, 2024).
“Nitish Kumar has worked for the development of the state. Naveen Patnaik has also served Odisha over the years. Such people should be honored with awards like Bharat Ratna,” the Union textile minister told mediapersons. He added that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will be formed in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.
Mr. Singh’s comments assume significance in the light of the Bihar BJP leadership’s recent comments that the NDA will contest the upcoming state assembly elections under the leadership of Janata Dal (United) chief and incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The BJP MP from Begusarai also praised Mr Kumar for bringing about change in the state which was known for the deplorable condition of roads, schools and hospitals under the previous Rashtriya Janata Dal regime. He also praised former Odisha Chief Minister and former BJP ally Naveen Patnaik for bringing development to his state.
“Earlier, during Rashtriya Janata Dal rule, Bihar was known for dilapidated roads, schools, hospitals and public infrastructure but when Nitish Kumar came to power (in November 2005) he took the state to new heights. Similarly, Naveen Patnaik served Odisha for many years and helped develop the state. Leaders like them deserve honors like Bharat Ratna,” Mr. Singh said while talking to the media in his Lok Sabha constituency, Begusarai.
Ever since Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed speculation that the BJP might push for a Maharashtra-like strategy in Bihar, the state BJP leadership has said that the NDA will contest the upcoming October-November 2025 state assembly polls. Led by Kumar. On December 25, senior JD(U) leaders emphasized the same in New Delhi.
However, Mr. Kumar’s silence on the issue has fueled speculation in political circles that he may make another political shift ahead of the assembly elections.
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the opposition party in the Bihar assembly on Monday, said, “BJP has taken control of the chief minister’s office in Bihar. Mr. Kumar’s four close aides, two of whom are in Delhi, are in regular touch with the BJP top leadership. Amit Shah is clearly on the job.
Yadav is working now Worker dialogue journey To meet and interact with grassroots party workers across the state. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is working on his first phase progresstravel Or Pragati Padyatra which will end on December 28 covering six districts. The second phase is scheduled to start from January 4 in Gopalganj district.
published – December 25, 2024 at 09:22 pm IST