By Vishwapati
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar marked his 74th birthday today, with his party, the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], celebrating the occasion as ‘Good Governance Day’ (Sushashan Diwas). Party workers gathered at the Hanuman Temple in Rajvanshi Nagar, Patna, to offer prayers, while posters wishing Kumar a happy birthday adorned the city. The posters prominently featured the slogan, “2025 again Nitish Kumar,” hinting at his political ambitions.
Prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, extended their congratulations. Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform ‘X’ to express his wishes, writing, “Heartiest birthday wishes to the successful Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar ji. Under his leadership, the state is reaching new heights of development. May God grant him good health and a long life.”
Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav Launches Scathing Attack
However, the occasion was not without controversy. Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, used the opportunity to criticise Nitish Kumar. On social media, Yadav remarked, “15-year-old vehicles are banned in Bihar because they emit more smoke, but the 20-year-old government is still running.” He accused Kumar’s administration of fostering poverty, unemployment, corruption, crime, and migration in the state.
Yadav further claimed that the Nitish-BJP coalition had “pushed the future of two generations of Bihar into darkness.” He asserted that the government had become a burden on the people and called for change. Addressing the youth, Yadav appealed for a new era of governance, stating, “The people of Bihar now want change and are resolved to bring an employment-centric government with fresh thinking, vision, and energy.”
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Assembly Elections
Nitish Kumar’s birthday celebrations have intensified the political atmosphere in Bihar, with JD(U) highlighting the achievements of his tenure while the opposition sharpens its critique. As the state gears up for assembly elections later this year, both sides are ramping up their campaigns. JD(U) is emphasising its development schemes and commitment to good governance, while the opposition is scrutinising the government’s policies and alleged inaction.
The political developments surrounding Nitish Kumar’s birthday are seen as a strategic move in the run-up to the elections, with both parties vying to sway public opinion in their favour.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
