Bihar Politics: As soon as the doors of Bapu Auditorium opened in Patna’s hot afternoon, thousands of soldiers entered inside – all in the same color uniform, with the same goal, and with words spoken in the same rhythm: “We will not consume alcohol for life!” There was some revenge in Bihar’s Fiza. A new kind of army was standing, not for guns, but swearing against a drug. On Saturday, 28 June 2025, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar handed over appointment letters to 21,391 new soldiers. But this was not just a job – it was a symbolic message, a political conch shell, and perhaps, Nitish’s biggest masterstroke just before the upcoming elections.
Nitish’s new ‘oath Army’ – only liquor ban or electoral brigade?
Such a scene has never been seen before in Bihar politics. While newly appointed soldiers were given the responsibility of strengthening law and order, on the other hand, a ‘personal oath’ to implement the liquor ban law was also administered. Now the question arises – is it just a social initiative or is it hidden behind it? Nitish Kumar is well aware that his image on liquor ban in Bihar is divided into two edges – on one side of women who are in favor of it, on the other hand unemployed youth, who seem unnecessarily and corruption. In such a situation, the ‘drug -free oath’ of 22 thousand soldiers is also a befitting reply and a big bet.
“22 thousand soldiers now for the protection of prohibition!”
During the program, Nitish Kumar said in two words, “The rule of law is established and will remain in Bihar.” He also reminded that when he took power in 2005, there were only 42,481 policemen in the state. But now the government has created more than 2.29 lakh police posts and all posts will be filled by the end of the year. This is not just a number, it is the power of power. And the message in this is clear – Bihar will change now, not only the crime will be tightened, but will not give any discount in the name of alcohol.
Electoral bugle or public right?
Even before the program, Nitish Kumar started promoting it on social media, in which he described this day as a “important day” for Bihar Police and the youth of the state. Political analysts believe that it was not just appointment, but a ‘silent publicity’. The families whose children are now admitted to the police, their inclination will be in the election – it is not difficult to guess. Especially when the government itself is administered the oath to these soldiers to work against alcohol, an issue that makes Nitish strong among women voters.
Strictness or showcase on the streets of Bihar now?
Now everyone is eyeing whether the recruitment of these 22 thousand new soldiers will rein in Bihar or it will remain just an election stunt. Will these soldiers be deployed in every village? Will this law really tighten the liquor mafia or as before, will this law only be the weapon to catch the poor? And the biggest question – will the land of Bihar be drugged by the ‘oath’ of these soldiers?
What will be the next bet of Nitish?
This grand ceremony made it clear that Nitish Kumar is no longer going to play on the backfoot. He has started the 2025 election battle with a symbolic and emotional move – “He also administered the oath, gave a job and gave a message.” Now it has to be seen whether these 22 thousand soldiers will reinforce Nitish’s power or the public will see this ‘oath Army’ as the last attempt of the government. At the moment, it is certain – in Bihar, now not just uniforms, the oath will also go on. And this oath can shake any politics.