Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Archives - Lokmarg

India Alliance Fine, Nitish Has No Issues: KC Tyagi

By LokMarg 25th January 2024

Amid the political turmoil in Bihar after RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, took a swipe at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, JD(U) leader KC Tyagi on Thursday clarified that all was fine with the INDIA bloc.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Tyagi said, “
INDIA gathbandhan (alliance) salamat hai
(INDIA bloc is safe). Everything is fine with the alliance.”

Earlier, Lalu’s daughter Rohini Acharya took a swipe at RJD’s ruling ally, JDS, on X posting that while the ‘socialist party’ (JDU) styles itself as progressive, its ideology shifts with the changing wind patterns.

However, a few hours later, all three posts by Lalu’s daughter were deleted.

Earlier, speaking on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s statement on dynastic politics and Rohini Acharya’s tweet, Tyagi said, “
Baccho ke comments par hum comment nahi karte
(We do not comment on children’s comments). Nitish Kumar’s remarks were neither directed at Lalu Yadav nor Sonia Gandhi. He was merely being appreciative of the lifelong efforts of Karpoori Thakur to ensure social justice.”

Earlier on Wednesday, on the occasion of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur’s birth centenary celebrations, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a scathing attack on dynastic politics saying, “Karpoori Thakur never promoted his family. Taking inspiration from him, I too have never promoted any member of my family. After the death of Karpoori Thakur, only his son, Ramnath Thakur, was promoted. But today, people are promoting dynastic politics.”

Rashtrapati Bhavan announced on Tuesday that the President is pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur (posthumously).

Karpoori Thakur was born in 1924 in one of the most backward sections of society, the Nai Samaj. He was a remarkable leader whose political journey was marked by his unwavering commitment to the marginalised sections of society.

He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar and was a key figure in the struggle against social discrimination and inequality. His commitment to affirmative action gave representation and opportunities to the poor, oppressed, exploited and deprived sections of the country. (ANI)

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No Shame: Modi Slams Nitish’s Derogatory Birth Control Remarks

By LokMarg 8th November 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a strong attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his derogatory remarks against women in relation to population control and said crass words were uttered in the state assembly and there was “no shame”.

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi did not name Nitish Kumar but referred to his remarks made on Tuesday. He also attacked the INDIA alliance over Nitish Kumar’s remarks and asked women in the gathering if leaders of the opposition bloc could do any good for them or respect them.

“People of INDI alliance are roaming, playing tricks to dislodge our government, a leader of INDI alliance said indecent words in the assembly in which mothers, sisters were present. No one can imagine. There is no shame. Not only this, no leader of INDI alliance was prepared to speak a word against such dangerous insult of sisters, mothers,” PM Modi said.

“Those who have such attitude, can they ever do your welfare? Sisters and mothers, can they do your welfare, provide you respect, honour you,” he asked.

Several women in the gathering waved “no”.

Slamming the JD-U leader, PM Modi said such remarks also besmirch the country’s reputation.

“How unfortunate for the country. How much you will fall and you are insulting the country,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said he will never shy away from doing whatever he can for the honour of women and to enhance their respect.

The Bihar Chief Minister on Tuesday sparked a controversy after he used derogatory language in the state assembly to explain the role of education and the role of women in population control.

Nitish Kumar was speaking during the winter session of the Bihar Assembly. The Chief Minister made the remarks while underlining the need for girls’ education to check population growth.

Following an uproar over his remarks, Nitish Kumar on Wednesday apologised and said he is taking back his words.

“If my words were wrong, then I apologise for that. If anyone got hurt by my words, I take them back,” Kumar told reporters.

Chaotic scenes were witnessed in the Bihar Assembly as Opposition members rushed to the well raising slogans against Nitish Kumar over his objectionable remarks on birth control the day before.

Nitish Kumar’s remarks have evoked strong condemnation from BJP leaders.

His remarks also drew outrage from the National Commission for Women (NCW), which asked him to tender an unconditional apology.

In a scathing riposte to the Bihar Chief Minister, Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai said that the Bihar Chief Minister has lost his “mental stability.”

“It’s objectionable; Nitish Kumar has lost his mental stability the way he spoke about women. Tejashwi Yadav’s statement in its support is also objectionable. Nitish Kumar is no longer worthy of holding the position of CM. You have destroyed the culture of this country. He should apologise and detach himself from politics,” Rai said.

Defending Nitish Kumar, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav said on Tuesday that it was wrong to misinterpret the Chief Minister’s remarks as he was speaking about sex education.

“Let me tell you one thing. It is wrong if someone misinterprets it. The remarks of the CM were regarding sex education. People are hesitant whenever the topic of sex education is discussed. This is now taught in schools. Science and biology are taught in schools. Children learn it. He said what should be done practically to stop the increase in population. This should not be taken in a wrong manner. It should be taken as a sex education,” Yadav said. (ANI)

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Bihar Police lathi charge on Ctet aspirants

Bihar Police Lathi-Charge Protesting CTET Aspirants

By LokMarg 1st July 2023

Bihar police on Saturday lathi-charged Central Teachers’ Eligibility Test (CTET) aspirants as they protested against the state government in Patna over the ending of the domicile rule.

The protesting aspirants are demanding the implementation of a domicile policy in recruitment.
“A case will be registered against the protestors. They are taking to the roads causing traffic jams, stopping school students and causing damage to the property,” Nurul Haque, DSP Law and Order Kotwali said.

He further said, “They will have to go to jail for this. The police are removing them using lathis to control them.”

Earlier on Tuesday, after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the state government announced that eligible candidates from all states can apply for teaching jobs in the state’s government-run schools.

Before implementing this, there was a rule which mandated that applicants with the domicile of Bihar could only apply for teaching jobs in the state’s government-run schools. (ANI)

Union Minister Asks Nitish To Sack Anti-National Minister

By LokMarg 24th February 2023

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, on Friday demanded that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sack RJD leader and state minister Surendra Yadav for his ‘objectionable’ remark on Army jawans.

The RJD leader on Thursday said, “Exactly 8.5 yrs from today, our army would be seen as
Hijdon ki Fauj
(an army of ennuchs). This is because our serving jawans will have retired by then and the training of the Agniveers will still be going on. Whoever came up with this idea (of recruiting jawans through the ‘Agnipath’ scheme) should be hanged.”
Hitting back at the Bihar minister over his remark, on Friday, Rai told ANI, “Surendra Yadav’s statement, as a cabinet minister, is highly objectionable. Our Army is renowned for its bravery. It is regrettable and highly objectionable for a sitting minister to say that our Army will be turn into a force of ennuchs.”

“That Surendra Yadav continues to be a minister even after making such a crass and objectionable remark is a direct insult to our Army and jawans by the Nitish Kumar government. It only goes to show the anti-national character of the RJDand JDU (ruling allies in Bihar),” Rai said.

“Nitish-ji and Tejashwi-ji should know that our Army has always been known for its bravery and sacrifice and the country will not tolerate any insult to our armed forces. I want to ask to Nitish-ji if he has any sense of nationalism or patriotism left in him. If yes, he should immediately sack this anti-national minister, who has denigrated the Army with his statement,” Rai added.

“I also want to tell Tejashwi Yadav (RJD chief and Bihar deputy CM) that Surendra Yadav may be a big leader of his party, but he should be expelled for such an objectionable statement against the Army. And if he doesn’t, the RJD’s character will stand exposed before our countrymen as well as our jawans,” he added.

The RJD leader and state minister had further said, “When they (Agniveers) turn 25 26 and receive marriage proposals, what will they say? I am a retired soldier. Who will marry them then?”

“Whoever came up with this scheme, should be hanged. He deserves no lesser punishment,” Yadav added.

Under the Agnipath scheme launched on June 14 last year, the three services will recruit ‘Agniveers’, in the age group of 17.5 and 21 years, for four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for a further 15 years.

However, for recruitment of ‘Agnivers’ in 2022, the upper age limit was extended to 23 years. (ANI)

Lemongrass, Mushroom Cultivation Changing Lives In Bihar’s Gaya

By LokMarg 21st January 2023

The women of the Naxal-hit area of Bihar’s Gaya are becoming self-sufficient by cultivating lemongrass and mushroom. Earlier, where opium was cultivated on barren land, and now the lemongrass crop is flourishing. Today, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is coming to meet these women.

The area of Bankebazar block of the Gaya district of Bihar once had a stronghold of Naxalites. Even today, there is an occasional Naxalite activity in this area. But in present times the women of this region have started writing their own destinies.

Earlier, where opium was cultivated on barren land, and now the lemongrass crop is flourishing with the help of the Sarv Seva Samiti organization.

With the help of the organization, women are being trained to cultivate lemongrass and sell its products. Women are also participating actively in this. The women who were earlier unemployed and whose economic condition was very bad, are now becoming strong by cultivating lemongrass and mushrooms and their financial condition is also improving.

Pratima Devi, a resident of Azamgarh village of Bankebazar block, told ANI, “Earlier we had no work and the condition of the house was also very bad. But we were given training in mushroom and lemongrass farming by the organization. A good income is being generated and the condition of the family is also improving. Many types of products are being made by cultivating lemon grass. Initially, only a few women were associated with it, but at present, about one thousand women have joined. Now we are getting good income. Earlier our area was known for Naxalism, there was no development, but now we are making many types of products and we are also getting good income by selling them in the market.”

Rajni Bhushan, the district manager of Sarv Seva Samiti, said that Bankebazar block is considered to be a very remote area. “It is about 70 kms away from district headquarters Gaya. Most of whose land is barren and the area is surrounded by mountains. After this, we contacted the agriculture department and started cultivating mushrooms and lemongrass on barren land. For this, we connected the women of the area. At present, more than 1,000 women are associated with this farming and they are earning well, she informed.

The land which used to be barren before is flourishing with the cultivation of lemongrass. Many products including oil, soap, sanitiser, and phenyl are being made from lemongrass, which is being sold. Women are getting an income of about 12 thousand rupees in 2 months. Once lemongrass is cultivated, the crop keeps flourishing for 5 years. If its products are sold in six months, there is an income of about 40 thousand rupees. It is our endeavour to involve more women in this work so that their economic condition improves and their standard of living rises.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is scheduled to visit the area and meet the women in the area under his ongoing “Samadhan yatra”. (ANI)

Aim Of JD(U)-RJD Alliance To Defeat BJP In 2024 LS Polls: Tejashwi

By LokMarg 9th January 2023

Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav on Monday said the aim of the JD(U)-RJD alliance is to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

“The aim is not to become Prime Minister but to defeat BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls,” Tejashwi Yadav told reporters in Patna on Monday. BJP is afraid of our alliance, Yadav added.
Tejashwi Yadav said, “Our alliance is not new. Earlier it was done by Lalu ji and Nitish ji. It has been done again for the state and good governance”.

Nitish Kumar had broken off ties with BJP in August last year and taken oath again as Bihar Chief Minister after rejoining hands with Rashtriya Janata Dal and other parties in the Mahagathbandhan.

On December 31, 2022, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that the JD(U) has no problem with Rahul Gandhi’s candidature as the Prime Ministerial candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, adding that the decision will be taken once the Opposition parties get down to the talking table.

We have no problem with it…When all (opposition) parties sit together and talk, then we will decide on everything,” Kumar had said.

When asked about the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the Opposition’s participation in it, the Chief Minister said that it is a program of the Congress party and the JD(U) will decide its further course of action.

“It is a program (Bharat Jodo Yatra) related to their (Congress) party…Later, when we talk, we will decide what needs to be done,” he had said.

The remarks of the Chief Minister came after Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need for the Opposition to have a central ideological framework.

“The opposition needs a central ideological framework that only Congress can provide but our role is also to make sure that opposition parties feel comfortable,” Rahul Gandhi said.

“If the opposition stands effectively with a vision, what I hear from the ground, it will become very difficult for BJP to win the elections. But the opposition has to coordinate properly and the opposition has to go to the people with an alternative vision,” the Congress leader had added. (ANI)

Bihar Finance Min Slams Sushil Modi For Jet Remarks

By LokMarg 29th December 2022

Bihar Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushil Kumar Modi’s remark on the purchase of a jet by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shows the mentality of the BJP.

“You can understand what kind of mentality they (BJP) have. Earlier they had felt the need for it, but now when it has happened they feel that it’s done under pressure. If they had courage, they would have acknowledged that they too used to say it earlier,” Bihar Finance Minister Choudhary said on Sushil Modi’s remark in which he claimed the jet plane being purchased by the state government will be used for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s dream of becoming Prime Minister in 2024.
Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader had said, “This 12-seater jet plane worth more than Rs 250 crore won’t be used in Bihar as the state has few runways, instead, it will be used for Nitish Kumar’s dream of becoming PM 2024, which anyway won’t be fulfilled. This plane is being purchased for him to travel across the country.”

Questioning the Bihar government’s decision to buy a jet plane, Sushil Modi further said that in Bihar there are only four runways (Patna, Darbhanga, Purnia, and Gaya), so there is no place for jets to land, then why is the government spending Rs 250 crore on it?

“Nitish Kumar didn’t buy it for 15 years and then why now? Are a helicopter and plane being gifted to Tejashwi Yadav?” asked Sushil Modi.

The BJP leader said that the Bihar government already has a plane that is operational.

He further said that the Bihar CM is doing this to make his face shine all over the country and to gift Tejashwi Yadav as there is no other purpose of buying it now.

“If you rent it, it will be much cheaper. In a poor state like Bihar there is no justification for spending Rs 350-400 crore on jet planes and helicopters,” said Sushil Modi.

The BJP leader said that the government does not have money to give to the kin of people who died because of spurious liquor but it has money to buy new aircraft.

“Nitish Kumar is refusing to give money to those who died of spurious liquor. The state government is saying that the condition of our treasury is bad. Our GST compensation has stopped but you are now buying jet planes to make your face shine and travel across the country which has no justification,” he added.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet) S Siddharth said that the Bihar government has decided to buy a jet engine aircraft and an advanced helicopter to replace the faulty ones for the movement of top political executives and senior bureaucrats.

In the meeting, chaired by him, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved the civil aviation department’s proposal to purchase the new aircraft for long-distance travel and a helicopter in place of the outdated aircraft and faulty chopper for the government’s use. It was among the seven proposals that were discussed and approved by the Cabinet.

The old aircraft and helicopter will be used for training and tourism purposes after thorough repairs.

The process to purchase the new jet plane and the helicopter will start once the committee submits its report to the government. (ANI)

Nitish Should Make Tejashwi CM Now: Prashant Kishor

By LokMarg 17th December 2022

Political strategist Prashant Kishor, who has been an open critic of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for some time now, said on Saturday that the Janata Dal (United) leader should not wait till 2025 and make his deputy in the state cabinet, Tejashwi Yadav, the chief minister of Bihar.

Kishor, who is leading his Jan Suraj Padyatra in Bihar, reached Sheohar on the 77th day of the march.
Speaking to media persons here, Kishor said, “Nitish has announced to contest elections under Tejashwi’s leadership. He has accepted the fact that the election cannot be won on his face or by his party JD(U). “

“There is no need to wait till 2025 to elect Tejashwi Yadav as CM. In their alliance, RJD has the biggest share. Nitish Kumar should make him CM. This will give Tejashwi a chance to work for three years and the public will have the opportunity to vote on the basis of his performance,” he added.

So far visiting two districts, Kishor said he found that more than 60 percent of youth have migrated to other states for employment.

Kishor’s remarks came after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently said that Tejashwi Yadav will lead the Mahagathbandhan in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

“I am saying this from the beginning…He (Tejashwi Yadav) will definitely do it. You understand it right?” said Kumar in front of the media, on giving Tejashwi Yadav leadership for the 2025 Assembly elections in Bihar.

Notably, Tejashwi Yadav is the younger son of Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) founding president Lalu Prasad.

Nitish Kumar had broken off ties with BJP in August this year and taken oath again as Bihar Chief Minister after rejoining hands with Rashtriya Janata Dal and other parties in the Mahagathbandhan.

Kishor said some people think that Nitish Kumar is working towards a big alliance against the BJP at the Centre but “this is not very credible”. He said of the 17 years that Nitish Kumar has been chief minister, he has held the post with the support of the BJP for 14 years.

Both Nitish Kumar and Prashant Kishor have taken potshots at each other in the recent past.

Kishor, who had joined the JD-U and was a national vice president, had been expelled by the party in January 2020 for “acting against the party’s decisions”.

Kishor had earlier this month hit out at Nitish Kumar over his remarks that he was “working for the BJP” and said the Chief Minister had become “delusional”.

“He (Kumar) has been affected by his age and has turned delusional. He has been politically isolated as he is surrounded by people who he himself does not trust. And it is because of this nervousness he speaks rather than what he means,” Kishor had said. (ANI)