Nitish Kumar Asserts His Role in Lalu Yadav's 1990 CM Appointment
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Synopsis
In a recent Bihar Assembly session, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar claimed responsibility for Lalu Yadav's 1990 appointment as CM, igniting tensions with the RJD. He criticized Tejashwi Yadav and highlighted his government's achievements since 2005, amidst opposition protests.
Key Takeaways
- Nitish Kumar claims he supported Lalu Yadav's rise to CM in 1990.
- He accuses RJD of instability during the Mahagathbandhan.
- Critiques of RJD's governance prior to 2005 were made.
- Highlights significant developments in Bihar under his leadership since 2005.
- Opposition members staged a walkout during his speech.
Patna, March 4 (NationPress) During the debate on the Governor’s address in the Bihar Assembly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made a notable political assertion, claiming that he was instrumental in bringing Lalu Prasad Yadav to the Chief Minister's office in 1990.
“Even members of Lalu Yadav's own caste (Yadav) hesitated to support him for the CM position, yet I stood by him. I made your father (Lalu Yadav) Chief Minister,” Nitish Kumar stated while addressing Tejashwi Yadav through the Speaker on Tuesday.
Nitish Kumar was a prominent player in Janata Dal politics in 1990 amid a power struggle between Lalu Yadav and Ram Sundar Das. He defended his recent shift back to the NDA, citing previous conflicts with the RJD.
Furthermore, he accused Tejashwi Yadav and the RJD of causing instability during the Mahagathbandhan government on two occasions, asserting: “I have formed a government with Tejashwi Yadav twice, but they failed both times. That’s why I parted ways and returned to the NDA.”
Nitish Kumar's comments have rekindled an old political narrative in Bihar, escalating tensions between JDU and RJD as they gear up for future electoral contests.
The Chief Minister sharply criticized Tejashwi Yadav, labeling him “a child” who “lacks knowledge.” This sparked a fierce exchange, culminating in a walkout by opposition members.
Nitish Kumar also condemned the RJD's governance preceding 2005.
“During the RJD rule, people were afraid to leave their homes after dark. There was no infrastructure, no development, and constant Hindu-Muslim clashes. When I took office in 2005, the first initiative I implemented was to fence graveyards to ensure peace,” Kumar remarked.
While emphasizing his accomplishments post-2005, Kumar stated, “There has been significant progress in education, health, and infrastructure since I became CM. In 2016, we established reservations for women in government positions. Prior to elections, we will provide jobs to 12 lakh youth. Currently, 24 lakh youth are employed, and our government acknowledged madrasas and extended financial support to abandoned Muslim women.”
During the Chief Minister's address, opposition members walked out of the Assembly in protest against his remarks.
Observing their exit, Nitish Kumar remarked, “They fled because they understand they will gain nothing in the elections.”
