Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh. File
| Photo Credit: PTI
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday (December 25, 2024) said that the Bharat Ratna should be conferred upon Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.
“Nitish Kumar has worked for the development of the State. Naveen Patnaik has also served Odisha for years. Such people should be honoured with awards like Bharat Ratna,” the Union Minister for Textiles told mediapersons. He further said that a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will be formed in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.
Mr. Singh’s remarks gain significance in light of the Bihar BJP leadership’s recent comments stipulating that the NDA would contest the upcoming State Assembly elections under the leadership of Janata Dal (United) chief and incumbent CM Nitish Kumar.
The BJP MP from Begusarai also lavished praise on Mr. Kumar saying he made a turnaround in the State which under the previous Rashtriya Janata Dal regime was known for the dismal condition of roads, schools, and hospitals. He also praised former Odisha CM, and an erstwhile ally of the BJP, Naveen Patnaik for bringing development in his State.
“Earlier, during the Rashtriya Janata Dal regime, Bihar was known for decrepit 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 so many years and brought development in the State. Leaders like them deserve the honour like Bharat Ratna,” Mr. Singh said while speaking to mediapersons in his Lok Sabha constituency, Begusarai.
Ever since Union Home Minister Amit Shah dispelled speculations that the BJP might push for a Maharashtra-like strategy in Bihar, the State BJP leadership has said that the NDA would contest the upcoming State Assembly elections, due in October-November 2025, under Mr. Kumar’s leadership. On December 25, senior JD(U) leaders asserted the same in New Delhi.
However, Mr. Kumar’s silence on the issue has fuelled speculation in political circles that he might make another political turnaround before the Assembly election.
On Monday, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, had said, “The BJP in Bihar has assumed control of the Chief Minister’s office. Four close aides of Mr. Kumar of whom two are in Delhi, are in regular touch with top BJP leadership. Amit Shah is clearly at work.”
Mr. Yadav is currently undertaking karyakarta samvad yatra across the State to meet and communicate with grassroots level party workers. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is undertaking the first phase of his pragatiyatra or progress march which would end after covering six districts on December 28. The second phase is scheduled to begin from January 4 in the Gopalganj district.
Published – December 25, 2024 09:22 pm IST
