In a strategic move, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh from Bihar on Wednesday suggested the Narendra Modi-led Union Government to confer India’s highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna upon Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Singh expressed this sentiment in Begusarai, his Lok Sabha constituency, praising Nitish Kumar, a current ally of the BJP, and Naveen Patnaik, a former alliance partner whom the BJP ousted from power earlier this year. Interestingly, he made this proposal a few months ahead of crucial Bihar assembly elections.
“Bihar was known for decrepit roads, schools and buildings until the ascent to power of Nitish Kumar, who took the state to new heights. Likewise, Naveen Patnaik served Odisha for many years. Leaders like them deserve the highest honour, like Bharat Ratna,” he said.
On former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary, the BJP leader further expressed confidence that the NDA government will be formed again in Bihar under the leadership of Nitish Kumar in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
“No one should be in confusion. Lalu ji may try a million times but Bihar assembly elections will be held under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and the NDA government will be formed again in Bihar. Nitish Kumar has been the Chief Minister for so many years. Today’s children who have turned thirty have not seen Lalu ji’s jungle raj,” he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prasad’s son and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav had alleged, “The BJP has assumed control of the chief minister’s office. Four close aides of Kumar, of whom two are in Delhi, are in touch with the BJP leadership. Amit Shah is clearly at work.”
The RJD leader had made the remark in the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s reluctance to affirm, at an event hosted by a private news channel, that Kumar will be the NDA’s face for assembly polls in Bihar.
Earlier, Nitish’s party Janata Dal United had also clearly said that the NDA alliance will fight the upcoming Bihar assembly
elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
