Gayaji: Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, along with his son and Bihar’s Minor Irrigation Minister Santosh Kumar Suman, launched a sharp critique of the opposition during the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)’s Parivartan Jan Sabha held at Ram Sahay School Ground in Fatehpur block on Sunday. Declaring the beginning of “Parivartan” (change) from the Bodh Gaya Assembly constituency, Manjhi asserted that the NDA government is focused on delivering development, while the opposition is limited to “breaking coconuts” for photo opportunities.
Without directly naming RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Manjhi dismissed opposition announcements as hollow. “Development doesn’t happen through declarations. People are still reaping benefits from the schemes launched during our tenure,” he said. Citing the recent hike in social security pensions from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, he described it as a historic move by the NDA government.
The former Chief Minister also announced that a degree college would soon be opened in Fatehpur block, aligning with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s earlier commitment to establish a college in every block of Bihar.
In a veiled jibe at the local Bodh Gaya MLA, Manjhi said, “We do the work, but some are busy parading with incense sticks to claim the credit.” Minor Irrigation Minister Santosh Kumar Suman detailed ongoing irrigation initiatives in the district, noting that schemes worth Rs 110 crore were underway, with renovation work at 84 irrigation sites in Fatehpur alone. “Our goal is to bring water to every farm,” he said.
