Patna: Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, briefly halted his convoy in Bakhtiyarpur on Sunday after being stopped by an old associate who publicly voiced long-standing grievances, prompting officials to initiate administrative action.
CM was travelling to attend a private function when Saro Prasad, described by officials as an acquaintance from the chief minister’s early political years, called out to him and asked that attention be paid to the poor. Witnesses said Prasad told him that he was “the only one left from your old team”.
The chief minister stopped his vehicle, walked over to Prasad and instructed the district magistrate accompanying him to accept a written application and ensure that the matter was addressed promptly. The exchange drew attention from onlookers gathered near the venue.
Administrative sources said Prasad has raised similar issues during previous visits by the chief minister to Bakhtiyarpur, with some of his requests having been addressed earlier. His current appeal relates primarily to the allotment of land for housing. Officials said he has yet to receive a land deed for a residential plot, a delay that has caused him prolonged distress.
Following CM’s intervention, the local administration began reviewing the case. Garima Lohia, the subdivisional magistrate, said pending applications were being examined and that efforts were under way to resolve Prasad’s request for residential land on a priority basis. “Necessary formalities are being completed at the administrative level,” she said.
During the brief interaction, Prasad told the chief minister, “I am your friend, sir, you have come very late,” an emotional remark that underscored their long association.
The incident highlighted CM’s public image as an accessible leader willing to engage directly with citizens and former colleagues. Whether the administration is able to resolve Prasad’s case swiftly now remains to be seen.
