Bharat Ratna For Nitish Kumar, Naveen Patnaik: Union Minister Giriraj Singh Raises Demand Ahead Of Bihar Polls

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has proposed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's top civilian honour. Singh praised both leaders for their significant contributions to their respective states. He highlighted Nitish Kumar's transformative impact on Bihar's infrastructure and Naveen Patnaik's long service in Odisha.

Singh remarked, "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 so many years. Leaders like them deserve the highest honour, like Bharat Ratna."

NDA's Commitment to Nitish Kumar

On the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary, Singh expressed confidence that the NDA will once again form a government in Bihar under Nitish Kumar's leadership in the upcoming assembly elections. He dismissed any doubts about this outcome, asserting that Lalu Prasad Yadav's efforts would not alter the course of events.

"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 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," Singh stated.

Support from JDU and BJP

The Janata Dal United (JDU) party has reiterated its support for Nitish Kumar as the leader of the NDA alliance in Bihar's upcoming elections. JDU MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh and party president Sanjay Jha affirmed their commitment to standing with the NDA. They emphasised that their party remains firmly aligned with the alliance.

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary also confirmed that both Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lead the NDA in contesting the state elections. He stated, "NDA is working under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Modi and will continue to contest elections under the leadership of both leaders."

Tejashwi Yadav's Allegations

Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, accused BJP of exerting control over Nitish Kumar's office. He claimed that four close aides of Kumar were in contact with BJP leaders, including Amit Shah. This statement followed Shah's reluctance to confirm Kumar as NDA’s face for Bihar polls during a private event.

The Bihar assembly elections are anticipated to take place at the end of 2025, involving 243 seats across the state.