Patna: Thousands of people from Patna and neighbouring districts gathered from the early hours, filling the sprawling grounds with slogans, music, and vibrant displays of local culture. The atmosphere was described by attendees as a “grand democratic celebration,” reflecting both enthusiasm and anticipation.
Nitish Kumar reached Gandhi Maidan at 10:46 am, greeted by a chorus of applause and chants from supporters. His arrival, tightly secured by state police and the Special Protection Group, marked the culmination of weeks of meticulous preparations, including reviews of the main stage, VVIP areas, and crowd management.
Prime Minister Modi departed from Patna Airport en route to Gandhi Maidan, prompting heightened security measures across the city. Law enforcement and SPG personnel were deployed along key routes to ensure smooth passage.
Political leaders from across India continued to arrive throughout the morning. Haryana Chief Minister Nawab Singh Saini was followed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the heads of governments from Nagaland, Sikkim, and Meghalaya. The arrival of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Brijesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya added further energy to the gathering, while Union Minister Giriraj Singh’s appearance on stage intensified the crowd’s excitement.
Chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” “Jai Bihar,” and “Nitish Kumar Zindabad” resonated across the ground as party workers waved handkerchiefs in a show of support. Bankipur MLA Nitin Nabin formally conducted the ceremony, interspersed with cultural performances. Sharda Sinha’s Chhath songs lent a devotional touch, while Bhojpuri artists, including Manoj Tiwari and Pawan Singh, invigorated the crowd with their performances.
