Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday openly praised the Central Government while mentioning the support his government is getting. He appealed to the members of the state assembly to raise their hands to express their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said this during the motion of thanks on the joint address of both the Houses by the Governor.
Kumar, who has made a record of becoming the Chief Minister for the fifth consecutive time, talked at length about the efforts made for the all-round development of the state during his rule in the “last 20 years”.
“We are getting full support from the central government for the development of the state. In the budget presented in July 2024, the Center gave special financial assistance for roads, industry, health, tourism and flood control,” he said at the end of his 20-minute speech. He said, “After this, in the budget presented in February 2025, it was proposed to set up a Makhana Board, as well as financial assistance was announced for building an airport and the West Kosi Canal Project. In the same year, Bihar also got the opportunity to host the Khelo India Youth Games.”
The Chief Minister said, “I salute Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all these things. I request all the members to do so by raising their hands.” He said that the Prime Minister has visited Bihar several times and has started many projects.
Kumar said, “Now the state is expected to progress rapidly. The economy will become stronger. Work in all sectors will progress more rapidly.”
Before sitting on his seat, he pointed towards the opposition members and said that they did not raise their hands to thank the Prime Minister. He said, “Why are you guys not doing this? Two-three times I had joined you guys. But when you started mischief, I moved away. Now I am not going to leave (NDA).” Hearing this, loud laughter echoed in the house.
Kumar, an ally of the BJP since the 1990s, formed the government twice in the last ten years with the RJD-Congress alliance, but both times the government did not last long. Later, he made the same appeal to the members in the Legislative Council also. Kumar is a member of the Legislative Council.
On the other hand, the opposition, led by former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, expressed displeasure that the Chairman did not allow them to speak on the motion of thanks.
According to the opposition, he was stopped by being told that his proposed amendments would only be considered as suggestions given by him. The discussion in the Assembly lasted for about two hours and finally Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary replied on behalf of the government.
Former BJP state president Chaudhary rejected the opposition’s allegation that he wants to establish “bulldozer rule” in Bihar on the lines of the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh. He said, “Bihar is known for good governance, for which Nitish Kumar has become synonymous. Bulldozer is not an issue here. My name is Samrat Choudhary and please understand that I am not the symbol of bulldozer. Yes, action is being taken against illegal encroachments, which is being done as per the instructions of the court. Strict action will be taken against the mafia as well.”
