Shahnawaz Counters Giriraj: ‘If All Muslims Had Gone to Pakistan, How Would India Have Got Kalam?’ Backs Nitish for Bihar Elections

Begusarai: Senior BJP leader and former Bihar minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Thursday dismissed remarks suggesting that not sending all Muslims to Pakistan after independence was a mistake. Speaking in a press conference in Begusarai, he responded to a query on BJP MP Giriraj Singh’s past statements on the issue, saying, “If all Muslims had gone to Pakistan, how would the country have got APJ Abdul Kalam?”

Shahnawaz added, “If all Muslims had left, how would Giriraj Singh have had a friend like me? He is my best friend. Despite the age gap, we have worked together in Yuva Morcha. He is our colleague, and he has had the good fortune of knowing me.”

Strong Support for Nitish Kumar

Shahnawaz reaffirmed his support for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, calling him one of the most experienced leaders in the country and crediting him for the state’s progress. “Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, we will contest the elections again and win. There is no doubt about it. Bihar is fortunate to have him,” he said.

He also highlighted the close working relationship between Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, saying both leaders are committed to Bihar’s development.

Criticism of Tejashwi Yadav for Demanding Bharat Ratna for Lalu Prasad

Shahnawaz dismissed RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s frequent criticisms of the law-and-order situation in Bihar, stating, “It does not suit him to talk about crime. He only says what is scripted for him.”

On demands for awarding the Bharat Ratna to Tejashwi’s father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Shahnawaz said, “It is not right to compare Lalu Yadav with Karpoori Thakur, who was recently honoured. Lalu Yadav is currently out on bail.”

PM Modi’s Visit to Bhagalpur

Shahnawaz also spoke about the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bhagalpur, highlighting the strong support from NDA leaders and workers in Begusarai.

He credited PM Modi for initiatives benefiting farmers, particularly the ethanol industry, stating, “Narendra Modi has done the most work for farmers. Seventeen ethanol plants have been set up in Bihar, and the price of maize has risen from Rs 900-1,000 per quintal to Rs 2,300-2,400.”