Next five years crucial for Darbhanga’s development, says Sanjay Jha

Darbhanga: A district-level workers’ conference of the Janata Dal (United) was held on Sunday at Laheriasarai Polo Ground in Darbhanga. The event, attended by senior JD(U) leaders, was inaugurated by the party’s national executive president and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Kumar Jha, along with state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha. The conference was presided over by Darbhanga district president Gopal Mandal.

Addressing the gathering, Jha praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s development efforts, dismissing pre-election narratives that questioned the party’s performance. “The Lok Sabha results silenced everyone who doubted us. The blessings of the people remain with Nitish Kumar,” Jha said. He highlighted the establishment of AIIMS in Darbhanga, calling it a “revolutionary step” for healthcare, benefiting not only north Bihar but also neighbouring Nepal. He added that Darbhanga airport, a success under the UDAAN scheme, is symbolic of the region’s growing importance and outlined key development priorities for the next five years.

State president Kushwaha echoed similar sentiments, stating that Bihar’s transformation over the last 19 years under Nitish Kumar’s leadership has been unprecedented. “India’s development is incomplete without Bihar, and Bihar’s without Darbhanga,” he said, citing improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Kushwaha urged party workers to begin preparations for the 2025 assembly elections, accusing the opposition of corruption and misgovernance during its tenure.

Lalan Kumar Sarraf, deputy leader in the Bihar Legislative Council, criticised the opposition, contrasting the JD(U)’s record of governance with what he described as the “jungle raj” of previous regimes. “Before 2005, Bihar was labelled a sick state. Today, under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, we are on a path of inclusive and sustainable development,” he said, pointing to the recent Rs. 60,000 crore special package as a boost for the state.

Other ministers, including Madan Sahni, Lesy Singh, and Ratnesh Sada, also addressed the audience. Sahni noted Darbhanga’s development as comparable to Patna’s, while Singh emphasised the CM’s role in empowering women. Sada underscored Kumar’s initiatives to uplift Scheduled Castes and Tribes, citing justice delivered in cases like the Bhagalpur riots.

The event saw participation from prominent JD(U) leaders, including ministers, MLAs, and former council members, as the party positioned itself to rally support ahead of future elections.