Patna: In a resounding call for special category status for Bihar, Chief Minister (CM) Nitish Kumar took center stage at JD (U)’s Bhim Sansad program, held at the Veterinary College Ground in Patna on Sunday. Surrounded by an unprecedented gathering of over 2 lakh people, Nitish expressed his determination to pursue this demand with a dedicated campaign and sought the support of the public.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Nitish remarked on the remarkable turnout, stating that he had never witnessed such a massive assembly at the Veterinary College Ground. He acknowledged the overwhelming presence of the people and asserted his commitment to serving them, emphasizing that their sheer numbers inspire him to work even harder. Nitish extended congratulations to JD (U) functionary and minister Ashok Choudhary for organizing the program.
Taking a swipe at the political landscape in Delhi, contrasted the publicity tactics of the ruling BJP government with the evident grassroots support on display in Patna. He subtly took a dig the BJP’s recent event at Bapu Sabhagar at Patna, labeling it as a “bogus program” and highlighting the marked difference in the scale of participation between the two parties’ events.
Reflecting on the achievements of his tenure since 2005, Nitish pointed to the successful execution of the caste census and the subsequent expansion of reservation based on its findings. Expressing disappointment with the Center’s reluctance to conduct a caste census at the national level, Nitish underscored the need for Bihar to push for its interests independently.
The Chief Minister passionately declared the initiation of a comprehensive campaign for attaining special state status, urging the crowd to join hands in support. He symbolically had the attendees raise their hands in agreement, signaling the launch of the campaign. Nitish also called upon journalists to back this cause and emphasized the importance of internal support.
Dissatisfied with the current framework of assistance from the Center, Nitish questioned the tangible impact of their claimed support, proposing a specific percentage allocation for development projects. He highlighted the need for a collaborative effort between the state and the Center, critiquing the prevalent trend of central government-centric promotion.
During the event, minister Ashok Choudhary emphasized the Bihar CM’s dedication to social justice, asserting that Nitish, despite not being a Dalit himself, stands as a true “Dalit lover.” Inviting JD (U)’s national president Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh to address the gathering, Choudhary highlighted the Chief Minister’s 18-year tenure and his unwavering commitment to “development with justice,” a philosophy aimed at uplifting the marginalized sections of society.
Lalan, in his address, reiterated the Chief Minister’s commitment to the resolution of “development with justice,” emphasizing the transformative impact on bringing the marginalized to the forefront of mainstream society.
