Patna: Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan drew large crowds at a Ganga Aarti held at Gyaspur Ganga Ghat in Bakhtiyarpur block, Bihar, on Sunday, where logistical challenges and demands for better infrastructure marked the politically significant event.
Chirag, the chief guest, began the evening by garlanding an oil painting of his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan. He was later honoured with a silver crown, a shawl, and a bouquet by the organisers.
The event attracted thousands of devotees, creating a challenging situation for both the administration and organisers as crowd control proved difficult. Many in the crowd scrambled for a glimpse of the Union Minister, with several climbing chairs to see him more clearly. Amid the jostling, a few women and children reportedly fell, though no serious injuries were reported.
Chirag faced further difficulties due to inadequate arrangements leading to the stage. Without a proper path from the bridge to the venue, he struggled to navigate through the crowd to reach his vehicle. The minister, suffering from a bad throat, was unable to address the gathering as planned.
Adding to the political undertone of the event, sections of the crowd raised slogans demanding the construction of a concrete bridge, highlighting local infrastructure grievances in front of the visiting minister.
Chirag remained at the programme for about half an hour before departing. Following his exit, the Ganga Aarti commenced in a devotional atmosphere, with devotees participating with fervour.
