Neeraj Kumar criticized Giriraj Singh for his Yatra.
Patna October 14, 2024: Neeraj Kumar, JD(U) MLC and chief spokesperson, raised concerns over the Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh’s upcoming Hindu Swabhiman Yatra on Monday.
The Yatra, which Giriraj Singh announced would begin on October 18 in Bhagalpur and travel to Muslim-dominant districts like Katihar, Purnea, Araria and Kishanganj in the Seemanchal region. It has drawn criticism from opposition parties and JD(U) alike.
Neeraj Kumar highlighted the inclusive growth of all sections in Bihar:
Neeraj Kumar highlighted that under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the Saat Nischay Part 2 development program is being implemented across Bihar, benefitting all communities, regardless of religion.
“The Badi Patan Devi temple fencing project in Patna, for which Rs 7.5 crore has been allocated, including a Rs 1.5 crore contribution from JD(U) MLC Afaque Ahmed,” Kumar said, while highlighting the inclusive and balanced development approach of the government.
In response to Giriraj Singh’s remarks about awakening Hindus following incidents in Bangladesh, Neeraj Kumar said, “ The people of Bihar are already awake, there is no need to awaken them.”
Neeraj Kumar distant his party from the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra:
He further clarified that the JD(U) has no connection with the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra and stressed that the Bihar government’s focus remains on equal treatment for all communities.
“Under the Nitish Kumar government, initiatives like Jannayak Karpoori hostel for Extremely Backward class students, Dalit hostels and minority hostels were taken and it is evidence of our Chief Minister’s commitment to inclusive progress,” Kumar said.
Neeraj Kumar also praised Nitish Kumar’s recognition as a global thinker and climate leader and pointed to various development projects, including the Sultanganj Ajgavinath temple and an agriculture college named after former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, to illustrate his administration’s focus on honouring the contributions of historic figures.
Opposition leaders slammed Giriraj Singh:
Former education minister Prof. Chandrashekhar criticized Giriraj Singh, accusing him of attempting to divide society.
BJP leaders supported Giriraj Singh for his Yatra:
Meanwhile, BJP leaders including MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachol, have shown support to Hindu Swabhiman Yatra. Bachol praised Giriraj Singh’s initiative calling it a “praiseworthy step”.
This shows the divide between JD(U) and its ally, BJP, over the purpose and impact of the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra, which the BJP openly backs while the JD(U) stresses its focus on inclusive governance.
Also Read: Giriraj Singh taunted Tejashwi for acting as a contractor of a Muslim vote bank.
EOM.