Patna: Senior leaders of the Janata Dal (United) gathered at Haj Bhawan in Patna on Tuesday evening for an iftar hosted by the party, with Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, using the occasion to emphasise communal harmony and political outreach.
The event, attended by ministers and coalition figures, saw Kumar present a traditional cap to Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, a gesture interpreted by party members as symbolic of the state’s syncretic Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. Leaders broke their fast together and later offered prayers for peace and development in Bihar.
The presence of Nishant Kumar, who has recently entered the party fold, drew particular attention. Zama Khan personally received him, underlining what observers see as a carefully signalled introduction to public political activity.
Among others in attendance were Awadhesh Narain Singh and Leshi Singh, reflecting the breadth of representation from the ruling alliance. Party workers and supporters were also present in large numbers, lending the gathering a festive and politically charged atmosphere.
Kumar interacted with attendees and extended greetings for the holy month of Ramadan, while party leaders described the event as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with minority communities. Arrangements for the evening were overseen by Khan and other senior figures, with congregational prayers held after the iftar.
The gathering comes at a time of shifting political alignments in Bihar, with such events seen as both symbolic gestures of unity and strategic efforts to consolidate support ahead of future electoral contests.
