Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reaffirmed his government’s commitment to law and order, declaring that the state had transformed into a safe and peaceful place under his leadership. Speaking during the motion of thanks to the governor’s address in the legislature, Kumar highlighted how his administration had curbed communal clashes and improved overall security, ensuring a sense of safety for all citizens.
Reflecting on the situation before his tenure, Kumar recalled how fear and lawlessness once gripped Bihar, preventing people from stepping out after dusk. Poor road infrastructure and a lack of effective governance had compounded the state’s struggles. However, under his leadership, significant measures such as fencing graveyards and taking firm action against those inciting violence helped restore harmony. He emphasized that land disputes related to graveyards had long been a source of tension, and his government had addressed this issue decisively. He also pointed to his administration’s efforts in bringing justice to those responsible for the 1989 Bhagalpur riots.
As he outlined these achievements, opposition members interrupted with slogans, prompting Kumar to firmly counter their protests. Dismissing their criticisms, he suggested that many in the opposition, including leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, were too young to understand the past challenges Bihar faced. Addressing journalists, he urged them to recall the stark contrast between then and now.
Reaffirming his allegiance to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Kumar acknowledged past political shifts but made it clear that he intended to stay with the alliance. He credited the central government’s support for Bihar’s continued progress, highlighting financial assistance in the latest budget that allowed investments in agriculture, irrigation, and infrastructure.
Kumar underscored significant improvements in electricity supply, contrasting it with the severe shortages under previous administrations. He noted that even Patna had once suffered from erratic power cuts, with most rural areas receiving little to no electricity. Now, uninterrupted supply has reached every household. Similarly, advancements in healthcare and education have been a priority, with the number of medical colleges doubling from six to twelve, with plans to expand further.
Law and order, he said, had seen a dramatic shift. Kumar claimed that boys and girls now felt safe even late at night, a sharp contrast to an era when venturing out after sunset was considered risky. Increased police presence and strengthened security measures were key factors in this transformation.
Opposition MLAs eventually staged a walkout in protest, to which Kumar responded with confidence, asserting that his government would return stronger after the elections while his opponents would face political setbacks. He also accused Tejashwi of misconduct, warning, “You were up to something wrong.” Expressing full faith in his partnership with the NDA, he concluded, “We are together again and will remain so.”
