In a video shared on the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) X handle on Saturday morning, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said he inherited a state where “Bihari" was used as a slur but changed that perception through his government’s work and urged people of Bihar to help build a ‘new Bihar’ ahead of the upcoming polls.
The Bihar CM also highlighted in what appeared to be a campaign message a day after the release of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) manifesto that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has also led to growth in Bihar and that the NDA is working for Bihar’s all-round development.
Addressing voters, Nitish Kumar reflected on Bihar’s condition before 2005. “In whatever circumstances we inherited Bihar, we managed it and worked for its development. Previously, being called a Bihari was an insult, but now it is a matter of honour," he said. He added, “We are continuously working for the development of Bihar. You have given us four chances… Please once again elect our candidate and form an NDA government. This will ensure an NDA government in Bihar and at the center. Bihar is continuously developing, and more development will follow."
He also stressed that his work was for all communities. “I have not done anything for my own family. My entire Bihar is my family… I have worked for Hindus, Muslims, and all castes and religions," he said, urging voters to support NDA candidates in the upcoming elections.
Voting for Bihar’s 243-member Assembly will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting of votes scheduled for November 14. The ruling NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, faces the opposition Mahagathbandhan, spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The NDA partners are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), (JD(U)), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The Mahagathbandhan includes the Congress, the Left parties, and the Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) of Mukesh Sahani. Political strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj will make its debut in this election.
Source: News18