Sasaram: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on conducting a nationwide caste census as “a very big thing”, hailing it as a long-standing demand of Bihar that has finally been addressed. Speaking at a public rally during PM Modi’s two-day visit to the state, Nitish said, “We had been demanding this for a long time. Now that the Prime Minister has taken this decision, Bihar will benefit greatly. Salute to the Prime Minister.”
The Chief Minister’s endorsement came amid enthusiastic crowds in Rohtas district, where both leaders shared the stage following the inauguration and foundation laying of several development projects worth over Rs 48,000 crore.
While praising PM Modi, CM Nitish Kumar also took aim at opposition parties, accusing them of engaging in empty rhetoric. “Some parties are still talking nonsense,” he said, without naming specific rivals. “Remember everything. What PM Modi has done is a big thing.”
CM Nitish, who has been a prominent voice in favour of caste-based enumeration, framed the announcement as an extension of Bihar’s commitment to social justice. “Bihar has always raised the voice for social justice. This decision is a big step in that direction,” he said.
The Janata Dal (United) chief, who parted ways with the Opposition INDIA bloc earlier this year and returned to the NDA fold, also criticised past governments led by RJD and Congress. “Before November 24, 2005, nothing concrete was done,” he said. “Look at the number of women here today — back then, there were no plans for women. We worked to educate them, empower them and ensure reservation.”
He listed roads, bridges and infrastructure development among the key achievements of his administration, asserting that real progress began only after the NDA came to power.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, also present at the rally, echoed Kumar’s praise for Modi, calling him “a leader whose heart beats for Bihar.” “He has visited the state 50 times and each time brought new development projects for us,” Choudhary said.
The rally in Bikramganj marked the culmination of the Prime Minister’s two-day tour of Bihar, during which he inaugurated Patna’s new airport terminal and laid the foundation stone for the civil enclave at Bihta.
