Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra, which started from Valmikinagar in West Champaran on December 18, will conclude its first phase on December 28. Ahead of its completion, the second phase has been announced, set to begin on January 4, 2025, and continue until January 13. During this phase, Nitish Kumar will review development projects and inaugurate new schemes in Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Samastipur.
According to the detailed schedule, the Chief Minister will commence the second phase in Gopalganj on January 4, followed by visits to Siwan on January 7, Saran on January 8, Darbhanga on January 11, Madhubani on January 12, and Samastipur on January 13. The first two days of the phase, January 5 and 6, have been kept free of travel. The third phase of the Pragati Yatra is anticipated to be announced during this time.
The Pragati Yatra has drawn significant political attention and criticism. Opposition parties, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have questioned the Rs. 225 crore budget allocated for the initiative, calling it an electoral campaign under the guise of development. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav referred to it as the Chief Minister’s farewell journey, while RJD supremo Lalu Yadav criticized the initiative, calling it a gimmick ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.
Despite the backlash, the state government has defended the Pragati Yatra, stating it is an effort to assess the progress of development projects and address local issues directly. Preparations are underway in Gopalganj and other districts to ensure a successful second phase.
