By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Amidst ongoing political speculation that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar might switch sides again, the Janata Dal (United) Chief has put an end to the rumours. Speaking in the presence of BJP National President JP Nadda, Nitish Kumar firmly stated, “There is no question of going back now.”
Reflecting on his past political alliances, Nitish said, “What did the previous government do? I made a mistake twice by going with them. Our relationship with the NDA began in 1995, and despite a few deviations, that will not happen again. False narratives are spread from time to time, whether here or in Delhi.”
Nitish Kumar also highlighted the improvements his government has made since coming to power in 2005, particularly in the healthcare sector. He pointed out the dismal condition of government hospitals back then, noting the shortage of doctors, medicines, and other facilities. “Only 39 patients used to visit primary health centres each month. After we took charge, we introduced free medicines in hospitals in 2006. Now, over 11,000 patients visit these centres every month.”
The Chief Minister further announced plans to expand the number of medical colleges in Bihar, with the current 11 set to increase to 15. He mentioned the ongoing development of Nalanda, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Gaya Medical Colleges.
These remarks were made during the inauguration of a new eye hospital at IGIMS, built at a cost of Rs 188 crore. Both Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Nitish Kumar inaugurated the facility.
Addressing the gathering, JP Nadda reminisced, “In 2019, as Health Minister, I laid the foundation stone for the Ophthalmology Department here in the presence of Nitish Kumar. Now, I have the honour of inaugurating it after returning to office.”
Nadda’s two-day visit to Bihar included a meeting with Nitish Kumar at the Chief Minister’s residence in Patna before the IGIMS event. The cordial exchange between the two leaders made it clear that the speculation of Nitish Kumar changing political sides is nothing more than a rumour.