Patna : In a recent address at a significant event celebrating the 11th foundation day of Bihar State Power (Holding) Company Limited, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of Bihar expressed his disapproval of members of his cabinet utilizing the government’s accomplishments to enhance the reputation of their individual political parties.
The prominent leader, who is part of the Mahagathbandhan coalition comprising seven parties, took the opportunity to voice his concerns during the unveiling of electricity projects valued at nearly Rs 14,000 crore. The event witnessed the presence of various dignitaries, including Power Minister Bijendra Yadav of the Janata Dal (United), which is part of Nitish Kumar’s political party, and Alok Mehta, a senior leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, responsible for the Revenue and Land Reforms portfolio.
Without explicitly singling out any individual, Mr. Kumar asserted, “I’ve observed that many of my ministers, in their pursuit of media attention, tend to attribute the government’s achievements to their respective political parties. This, in my view, is not in accordance with proper conduct.”
He further emphasized, “Whenever I acknowledge any accomplishments in Bihar, I refrain from presenting them as my personal triumphs. In the same vein, I implore all ministers to recognize the collective efforts of the government and abstain from reserving praise solely for their political affiliations.”
In addition to members from the Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal, the state cabinet includes ministers from the Congress party. Notably, Nitish Kumar had transitioned to this multi-party coalition just last year, thereby ending his alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Critics from the opposition often contend that the Mahagathbandhan faces a challenge of trust among its constituents, citing instances where ministers from the Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal predominantly laud Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, respectively.
During his address, Mr. Kumar also lauded the longstanding service of Power Minister Bijendra Yadav, who has managed the power portfolio for almost two decades. The Chief Minister remarked, “He mentioned in his speech that after nearly 20 years of service, he remains unsure about his tenure. Allow me to state unequivocally that he will continue to serve as long as I lead. Should he decide otherwise, I shall relinquish all responsibilities.”
He further praised the transformative progress achieved under Minister Yadav’s leadership in the power sector, highlighting the substantial improvements in electricity availability, particularly in Patna. He recalled receiving complaints from his in-laws about the mere eight hours of daily electricity supply in the past, underscoring the remarkable changes brought about by Yadav.
