Tejashwi Yadav claimed top officials are not allowing Nitish to speak publicly.
Patna, October 7, 2024: Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the Bihar assembly, on Monday made a bold claim suggesting that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is being deliberately restricted from speaking in public or addressing the media by top officials.
Highlighting an event organized by the Rural Development Department, Tejashwi Yadav took to X (Formerly Twitter) to express his concerns, pointing out that the event, held at Nitish Kumar’s official residence in Patna, lasted only nine minutes.
“Despite the state government spent crores of rupees on its promotion and participation of all district magistrates via video conferencing, the event ended without Nitish Kumar marking any remarks or offering guidance on the implementation of the projects,” Yadav said.
Furthermore, Tejashwi Yadav remarked on the seemingly unusual nature of the event, claiming that none of the ministers, officials, or guests were served tea, and even the chief secretary of the state was not invited. He suggested that this was evidence of top officials controlling the Chief Minister’s public appearance and interactions.
“The officials surrounding the Chief Minister have banned him from speaking publicly or engaging with the media. Any event held will now be limited to his residence, with only selected officers in attendance,” Yadav stated.
His remarks raised concern about Nitish Kumar’s role in the state and possible dynamics within Bihar.
Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav targeted the Nitish government on smart meters.
In response to Tejashwi Yadav’s criticism, Shrawan Kumar, the Rural Development Minister of Bihar, defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, emphasizing his dedication to the welfare of the state’s poor. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve living conditions for the disadvantaged, stating that Nitish Kumar is always concerned about the well-being of Bihar’s people.
“The state government has released the first instalment of the Prime Minister Housing Scheme to 105,247 beneficiaries on Monday. Additionally, funds for the construction of toilets for 1.5 lakh poor residents of Bihar were also disbursed, with the money being transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts,” Kumar said.
This direct transfer of funds showcases the government’s commitment to transparency and improving the living standards of the underprivileged in the state.
The contrasting statements reflect the ongoing political friction in Bihar, with Yadav implying that there is a deliberate effort to side line Nitish Kumar, while the ruling government continues to assert its focus on welfare schemes and development for the poor.
EOM.