By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] state executive meeting took place in Patna, focusing on organisational expansion and seat-sharing strategies for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. However, just before the meeting, a poster calling for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to be awarded the Bharat Ratna gained attention on the streets of Patna.
The poster, put up by JD(U) state general secretary Chhotu Singh, read, “Bharat Ratna should be given to the renowned socialist and development figure of Bihar, Honourable Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.”
The JD(U) state executive meeting was held at the party’s state office, with notable attendees including National President Nitish Kumar, Executive President Sanjay Kumar Jha, National Vice President Vashishtha Narayan Singh, National General Secretary Manish Verma, and State President Umesh Kushwaha. Recently, a 118-member state executive committee had been formed.
Nitish Kumar has served as Bihar’s Chief Minister since November 2005, barring a brief period from 2014 to 2015. Before becoming Chief Minister, he held key roles as the Union Railway and Agriculture Minister. In addition to being the state’s Chief Minister, he currently serves as the National President of JD(U).
JD(U) Parbatta MLA Dr Sanjeev stated that the primary goal of the meeting is to enhance the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) performance in the forthcoming assembly elections. “The NDA aims to secure 225 seats in the elections, and Nitish Kumar will be re-elected as Chief Minister of Bihar. This is the main objective of today’s meeting,” he affirmed.
He further reiterated his belief that Nitish Kumar will once again assume the role of Chief Minister in 2025, emphasising that this is the core focus of the party.
When asked about the absence of former JD(U) national president and Union Minister Lalan Singh from the meeting, Dr Sanjeev clarified that Singh’s absence was due to personal reasons, stressing that there were no internal differences within the party. “Everything is proceeding smoothly,” he reassured.
In conclusion, Dr Sanjeev voiced a shared sentiment among JD(U) leaders and workers that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar deserves the Bharat Ratna. “He has transformed Bihar over the last 20 years. After Bihar’s first Chief Minister, Shri Krishna Singh, it is Nitish Kumar who has brought about significant change in the state,” he declared.
