Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Daniel Vettori. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Nitish Kumar Reddy. File
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

Buxar, Bihar:

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited Buxar on Saturday as part of his ‘Pragati Yatra’ and inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several developmental projects worth crores. To welcome him, hundreds of flower pots were placed by the administration on the road outside the District Guest House.

However, as soon as he left, the scene shifted. Locals were seen looting the flower pots. Before the government employees could make sense of the situation, the people made away with all the pots. Now, the video of the unusual loot has gone viral.

Mr Kumar visited the Buxar Collectorate to review development works and hold a meeting with senior officials from all departments.

Earlier today, he inaugurated the long-pending multi-village water supply scheme in Keshopur. This project was stuck in limbo for 15 years.

He also remotely inaugurated the Nikrish Pump Canal in Chausa block, laid the foundation stone for a railway overbridge near Raghunathpur railway station and launched a light and sound show building at Buxar’s Ramrekhaghat apart from laying the foundation stone of the Vishwamitra Tourist Hotel, built by the Tourism Department at Buxar Golambar.

New Delhi:

The 2025 Union Budget is “positive and welcome… progressive and forward-looking”, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Saturday evening, lavishing praise on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech in the Lok Sabha. Ms Sitharaman’s budget, for FY 2025/26, made mention of several special schemes and welfare measures for Bihar, which will vote in an Assembly election later this year.

Nitish Kumar – who will lead the state’s ruling Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party alliance in that election – declared this budget, the eighth presented by Ms Sitharaman, would “further accelerate the development of Bihar (apart from) increasing pace of development of the country”.

The Bihar leader also heaped praise on Ms Sitharaman for two big-ticket announcements on income tax, i.e., hiking the rebate ceiling from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh and rejigging new regime tax slabs.

As a result of the latter move, the Finance Minister had said, money in consumers’ hands, particularly from the middle class, would see a big increase, by as much as Rs 1.1 lakh in some cases.

NDTV EXPLAINS | What Rs 12 Lakh Exemption Means, What If You Earn More

“The middle class has got a lot of relief… Farmers will benefit from increasing the loan limit on ‘Kisan Credit Card’ to Rs 5 lakh, and increasing credit guarantee cover for micro enterprises to Rs 10 crore will increase employment opportunities,” Nitish Kumar wrote in Hindi, declaring, “Many (more) steps have been taken in the interest of the poor, youth, and farmers in the budget, which is welcome.”

केन्द्रीय बजट सकारात्मक एवं स्वागत योग्य है। केन्द्र सरकार का यह बजट प्रगतिशील एवं भविष्योन्मुखी है। इस बजट के माध्यम से केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा देश के विकास की गति को और बढ़ाने के लिए कई कदम उठाए गए हैं। बजट में बिहार के लिए जो घोषणाएं की गई हैं, उनसे बिहार के विकास को और गति…

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) February 1, 2025

Ms Sitharaman, in her speech, spoke about several measures for Bihar, including the setting up of a board for the makhana, or lotus nuts, industry to oversee and improve manufacturing, processing, and value addition of the product.

READ | Nirmala Sitharaman’s ‘Makhana‘ Gift For Bihar

She also said greenfield airports – referring to those built on previously undeveloped or empty greenfield land – would be set up to meet future aviation needs, including the demand for international flights.

READ | In Budget 2025, Big Gifts For Bihar Ahead Of Polls

The announcements for Bihar, however, were highlighted by the lack of any measures favouring Andhra Pradesh, which is ruled by the Telugu Desam Party, which is another critical BJP ally.

Support of the JDU and the TDP is essential for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to survive, because the BJP, by itself, did not secure enough seats to win the 2024 Lok Sabha election on its own. It required the backing of JDU and TDP MPs both to ensure a third term for Mr Modi.

As a result, no mention of Andhra Pradesh in this budget led to jabs from the Congress.

READ | “Bonanza” For Bihar, Andhra “Cruelly Ignored”: Congress’ Jab

Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh led that charge, declaring Bihar got a “bonanza” but Andhra had been “cruelly ignored” in Ms Sitharaman’s budget. In a sarcastic X post, he noted that sops for Bihar could be seen as “natural” in this Budget since an election is due there later in the year.

Bihar appears to have got a bonanza of announcements. It is natural since elections are due there later in the year. But why is the other pillar of the NDA, namely Andhra Pradesh, been so cruelly ignored?

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 1, 2025

“But why has the other pillar of the NDA, namely Andhra, been so cruelly ignored?”

Mr Ramesh’s party colleague, Manish Tewari, also hit out on this issue.

“I fail to understand… was this a budget of Government of India or Government of Bihar? Did you hear the name of another state in the entire speech of the Union Finance Minister?”

Focus On Bihar Before Poll?

The big gifts for Bihar come months ahead of a significant election in a state where Nitish Kumar has led his JDU in several flip-flops over the years, jumping from BJP’s camp to the opposition.

In July last year, when Ms Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive budget (and the first full one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term), both states were in focus. The Finance Minister announced significant financial aid for Andhra and major infrastructure projects in Bihar.

For Andhra, she had said the centre would provide Rs 15,000 crore for the purpose of developing Amaravati, the state’s new capital. Bihar, meanwhile, got Rs 26,000 crore for road projects and promises of new airports and sports infrastructure, as also Rs 11,500 crore for flood mitigation.

Patna:

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter and Pataliputra MP Misa Bharti made a significant political statement, suggesting the possibility of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s return to the Grand Alliance.

Speaking to the media at her mother and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi’s residence, she remarked, “The doors of Rabri Devi’s residence are always open for Nitish Kumar.”

When asked about the likelihood of Nitish Kumar re-joining the Grand Alliance, Misa Bharti said: “Nothing is impossible in politics.”

She further added, “It would be too early to say anything right now. Assembly elections are coming up. Auspicious work starts only after Kharmas.”

Misa Bharti’s remarks have reignited discussions in Bihar’s political circles about the potential reconciliation between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the RJD-led Grand Alliance.

Speaking on Makar Sankranti, the RJD Chief’s elder daughter and Pataliputra MP emphasised familial ties and the fluid nature of political relationships.

Misa Bharti reiterated that Rabri Devi’s residence is always open for Nitish Kumar, portraying him as a family member.

“Nitish Kumar is elder to us and is like a guardian. There is no friend and enemy in politics.”

She emphasised the bond between Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, likening them to elder and younger brothers.

Misa Bharti expressed a broader perspective on political alliances: “I have no enmity with PM Modi or Amit Shah, so why should we have enmity with Nitish Kumar?”

Drawing on cultural and political symbolism, she hinted at potential changes in Bihar’s political scenario: “After Makar Sankranti, there is always some turmoil. It is the election year, and everyone speculates.”

Referring to Nitish Kumar as a “family member” and “uncle”, she softened the tone of political rivalry, suggesting room for dialogue and reconciliation.

This follows Lalu Prasad Yadav’s earlier offer to invite Nitish Kumar to rejoin the Grand Alliance, which the Chief Minister declined.

However, Misa Bharti’s statements seem to keep the door open, highlighting the importance of flexibility in politics, especially with the upcoming Assembly elections.

While Misa Bharti maintained an open and conciliatory tone, Tej Pratap Yadav expressed firm opposition to the idea.

During the Chura-Dahi feast at Rabri Devi’s residence, Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son, emphatically rejected any potential rapprochement with Nitish Kumar: “We do not want to invite Nitish Kumar to come, and neither will we let him enter number 10 (Rabri Devi’s residence at 10 Circular Road, Patna).”

Earlier, Tejashwi Yadav, the younger son of Lalu Prasad and the Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, had previously expressed scepticism about re-aligning with Nitish Kumar: “Joining hands with Nitish Kumar would be like shooting oneself in the foot.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Patna:

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday offered a cryptic response to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s “doors open” statement to rejoin the opposition INDIA bloc. When questioned by journalists about Mr Yadav’s remarks, Mr Kumar folded his hands, smiled, and curtly responded, “Kya bol rahe hain (What are you saying?)” without elaborating further.

This exchange comes in the wake of Mr Yadav’s statement during an interview, where he said, “Our doors are open for Nitish Kumar. He should also unbolt his gates. This would facilitate movement of people from both sides.”

#WATCH | Patna: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar reacts on being asked about Lalu Prasad Yadav’s statement. pic.twitter.com/6Gxb9iOZgP

— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2025

Mr Yadav’s statement has since fueled speculation in Bihar about the possibility of another alliance between the two veteran leaders, often referred to as “bada bhai, chhota bhai” (big brother, little brother) in Bihar’s political circles. 

Mr Yadav’s overture to Mr Kumar follows a history of turbulent alliances. Mr Kumar, leader of the Janata Dal (United), has aligned with the RJD twice in the last decade, most recently as part of the Mahagathbandhan before switching sides to rejoin the BJP-led NDA in 2024. 

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son and heir apparent in the RJD, downplayed his father’s remarks, suggesting they were made to “satisfy the curiosity of the media.” Speaking to journalists at the swearing-in ceremony of  new Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Tejashwi Yadav said, “What else would he (Lalu Yadav) say? He was simply addressing your questions.”

Tejashwi Yadav, however, added that the new year would witness the end of the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government. He further accused Mr Kumar of being “captive” to a small group of close advisors and no longer capable of running Bihar independently.

Union Minister and JD(U) leader Lalan Singh dismissed Lalu Yadav’s remarks. “The NDA is strong. JD(U) and BJP are united. People can say whatever they want – it is a free country,” he said. 

Patna:

A no-holds-barred speech to pay tribute to former Prime Minister late Atal Bihar Vajpayee landed Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha in trouble yesterday and sparked friction between the BJP and its key ally, the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United). Shortly after, Mr Sinha had to issue a clarification, ostensibly under the party’s pressure.

Addressing a BJP event in memory of the BJP stalwart, Mr Sinha said the BJP’s mission in Bihar is still incomplete. “The true tribute to Atal ji will be BJP’s own government (in Bihar). Only then, the restlessness in our hearts will be calmed,” he said.,

Targeting the main Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal, he said, “Even today, the ‘jungle raj’ people disrupt Bihar’s communal harmony.” The BJP leader said Bihar has a prominent place in India’s history. “It is time to awaken that spirit again. Every Bihari must feel proud… when Bihar will have our government, that will be a true tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, every BJP worker will be proud,” he said.

जंगलराज वालों को दोबारा अवसर नही मिलेगा।
बिहार के मुख्यमंत्री श्री नीतीश कुमार जी के नेतृत्व में आगे भी एनडीए की सरकार बनेगी। pic.twitter.com/GOAAWRgCTt

— Vijay Kumar Sinha (@VijayKrSinhaBih) December 25, 2024

The remarks came against the backdrop of the Assembly polls in Bihar next year and sparked speculation on whether all is well with the BJP-JDU alliance. Despite being the big brother in the NDA alliance in terms of numbers, the BJP let Nitish Kumar continue as the Chief Minister after he switched from the Opposition camp to NDA last year. The JDU chief returned the favour when he provided crucial support to the BJP at the centre after it fell short of a majority in the general election this year. In this context, the Deputy Chief Minister’s remark could harm the BJP in Patna and Delhi. It also sparked speculation on whether the BJP plans to replace Nitish Kumar if it managed to win the required numbers in the upcoming state polls. It is, therefore, not surprising that the 57-year-old leader soon issued a fresh video, clearly under pressure from the party.

In this video, he described Nitish Kumar as “Atal ji’s favourite”. “He was sent to establish good governance here. Immense work was done between 2005 and 2010 to rid Bihar of jungle raj. The NDA government under Nitish Kumar’s leadership has freed Bihar from the jungle raj of kidnappings, murders, loot and rapes.” 

“NDA’s government will be formed under the leadership of Nitish Kumar in the future,” he stressed, a framed photograph of Nitish Kumar on the wall behind him.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s remark and then the clarification is also significant because the main Opposition RJD has repeatedly stressed that the BJP is controlling the Bihar government from Delhi and Nitish Kumar has little control over the state administration.

Begusarai:

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday said that Bharat Ratna should be conferred upon Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

“Nitish Kumar has worked for the development of the state. Naveen Patnaik has also served Odisha for years. Such people should be honoured with awards like Bharat Ratna,” Giriraj Singh told reporters.

He further said that the NDA government will be formed under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

“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 added.

On Tuesday, Union Minister and JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will contest the 2025 Bihar Assembly election under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“In the 2025 Bihar Assembly election, the NDA will contest under the leadership of Nitish Kumar,” Ranjan Singh told ANI.

The ruling NDA did well in the Lok Sabha polls in Bihar. Apart from BJP, NDA in Bihar includes JD-U, LJP (Ram Vilas) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular).

Nitish Kumar toppled the Mahagathbandhan government a few months before the 2024 Lok Sabha election and again formed a government with the BJP.

BJP is senior partner in the NDA in the state. While BJP has 84 MLAs, JD(U) has 48 in the State Assembly.

Notably, the Assembly elections for 243 assembly seats in Bihar are likely to be held at the end of 2025.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rajiv Ranjan Singh said that the assembly polls will be held under leadership of Nitish Kumar.

Patna:

Days ahead of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra which will begin on December 23, Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly criticised the JD-U leader while calling the CM’s proposed programme an “Alvida Yatra” (Farewell Tour).

Nitish Kumar is set to embark on the first phase of Pragati Yatra, scheduled to take place from December 23 to December 28.

Tejashwi Yadav pointed to Nitish Kumar’s statement during the 2020 Assembly elections. He asserted that the Chief Minister had then claimed that it would be his “last election”.

“This indicated that Nitish Kumar’s tenure had come to an end, and the upcoming yatra was nothing more than a farewell tour,” he said.

Tejashwi Yadav questioned the rationale behind the extravagant expense of the Pragati Yatra, which the state government was reportedly funding to the tune of Rs 225 crore for just 15 days.

He argued that such an expensive tour is unnecessary for a Chief Minister to meet the people of his own state.

The former Deputy Chief Minister said that “this expenditure is more about allowing government officers to loot the state treasury rather than genuinely engaging with the people”.

Tejashwi Yadav said the Pragati Yatra is not a development or political outreach initiative but as a self-serving exercise, criticising the perceived waste of public funds and the political motivations behind the tour.

Reacting to the statements of Tejashwi Yadav, Samrat Choudhary, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, defended CM Nitish Kumar.

“Nitish Kumar has been regularly doing statewide tours or ‘Yatras’ over the past two decades. It is not a new political strategy to meet the people of Bihar,” Choudhary said.

Besides, he also slammed Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family alleging his long-standing corruption and misgovernance in Bihar during his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar and Union Minister.

As per the schedule of Pragati Yatra’s first phase, Nitish Kumar will visit West Champaran (Bettiah) on December 23.

After staying overnight in Valmiki Nagar, will go to East Champaran (Motihari) on December 24.

As the Christmas Holiday is on December 25, there is no programme on that day.

He will visit Sheohar and Sitamarhi on December 26, he will visit Muzaffarpur on December 27 and on December 28, he will visit Vaishali and then return to Patna.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)