Patna, Bihar: In a noteworthy display of admiration, posters have emerged in Patna labeling Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, as the “nation’s second Gandhi.” These posters were unveiled by members of the Janata Dal (United), Kumar’s own political party.
The posters laud Nitish Kumar for his dedication to “instilling the principles of equality” within the state. Leaders from the JD(U) have commended his tireless efforts in driving social reforms and equated his path to that of Mahatma Gandhi.
These proclamations have not gone unnoticed, and various political factions have responded to the depiction of Nitish Kumar as the “second Gandhi.” Shivanand Tiwari, a prominent figure in the Rashtriya Janata Dal, expressed his reservations, stating that although the poster reflects the devotion of Nitish Kumar’s supporters, it is essential to remember that Mahatma Gandhi is an extraordinary figure who emerges perhaps once in a millennium. Tiwari invoked the words of Ram Manohar Lohia to emphasize this point.
It’s worth noting that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJ(D)) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) are partners in the INDIA bloc, forming an alliance despite the historical fluctuations in the relationship between Lalu Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Bihar and JD(U) chief, and Nitish Kumar, who have oscillated between collaboration and political rivalry over the years.
The BJP has also voiced its disapproval of the posters, with Kuntal Krishna, a spokesperson for the party in the state, describing the comparison between Nitish Kumar and Mahatma Gandhi as “despicable.” He went on to claim that Nitish Kumar, who had opposed Lalu for three decades, is now aligning himself with Lalu Yadav for the sake of pursuing the position of Prime Minister. Krishna went a step further by characterizing the Bihar Chief Minister as “the most opportunistic leader in the nation’s political landscape.”
These developments have sparked considerable debate and controversy, creating ripples in the political landscape of Bihar.
