Muzaffarpur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a scathing critique of the Nitish Kumar-led Mahagathbandhan government’s recent caste survey in Bihar on Sunday, alleging that the government intentionally inflated the population figures for Muslims and Yadavs to engage in what he referred to as ‘appeasement politics.’
Speaking at a public gathering held at the Patahi Airport ground in Muzaffarpur, Shah asserted, “This survey is a deception. The decision of caste survey in Bihar was taken by BJP while it was in Bihar government. We had supported it. But we didn’t know that, under Lalu’s pressure, the population of Muslims and Yadavs has been increased to do injustice to EBCs (Extremely Backward Classes).”
Shah questioned whether the INDI Alliance, which includes the Mahagathbandhan, would announce their next chief minister candidate in Bihar from the EBC community. “The INDI alliance says that the participation of different castes will be based on their population. So, I want to ask Lalu ji that will they make their next chief ministerial candidate in Bihar from the EBC community as the EBC has the highest population as per the findings of the caste survey,” he said.
Accusing the Mahagathbandhan government of indulging in appeasement politics, Shah said, “They have always resorted to Muslim appeasement politics in (districts including) Muzaffarpur, Sasaram (Rohtas), Biharsharif (Nalanda), Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur, and the entire Bihar. If this appeasement politics is not stopped, then there will be grave issues in Seemanchal areas in Bihar.”
Shah asserted that the Congress had historically neglected the backward communities in India, while Prime Minister Modi’s administration had taken steps to ensure their representation and empowerment. He cited the presence of 27 ministers from OBC backgrounds in the Modi cabinet and the government’s work in providing 27% reservation in Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya schools.
In his 22-minute speech, Shah referred to Nitish Kumar as ‘Palturam’ and enumerated the achievements of the Modi government. He declared that Bihar must be liberated from ‘Palturam’ in 2025, advocating for the formation of a BJP government in the state. Additionally, Shah confidently stated that the BJP would secure all 40 seats of Bihar in the 2024 elections.
Addressing the crowd, Shah questioned whether they had voted for the “Jungleraj” (lawlessness) of Lalu Yadav. He accused “Palturams” of undermining the mandate of Bihar and criticized Nitish Kumar for leading the state towards a “jungle raj.”
In a sharp critique of the opposition INDIA alliance, which includes JD(U) and RJD as prominent members, Shah accused the alliance of having a sole agenda: opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shah suggested that Bihar CM Nitish
Kumar should abandon his aspirations of becoming the next Prime Minister, pointing out that the INDIA alliance had not even chosen him as its convener.
Shah’s speech touched on a wide range of topics, from the situation in Kashmir to the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He contrasted the Modi government’s approach to the Ram Janmabhoomi issue with the stances of Lalu, Nitish, and the Congress, asserting that the Modi government had brought resolution to the matter. Shah also extended an invitation to the people of Muzaffarpur to join in the upcoming consecration of Ram Lala on January 22.
Shah continued by referencing India’s ongoing presidency of the G20 and issues related to Kashmir. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions on the international stage and questioned the stance of the RJD and JD(U) on the removal of Article 370 in Kashmir, a move that was undertaken by the BJP government.
The event also saw the participation of several prominent political figures, including Vijay Sinha, the leader of the opposition in the Bihar legislative assembly, Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home, Ashwini Choubey, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and others.
Earlier in the gathering, BJP State President Samrat Chaudhary criticized Nitish Kumar, highlighting issues of lawlessness and home delivery of liquor in Bihar. Union Minister Nityanand Rai emphasized the role of central initiatives in alleviating poverty in Bihar and expanding access to essentials such as gas cylinders and housing for the poor.
