The JD(U) president, who is seeking a record fifth consecutive term, was addressing his first election rally in Minapur constituency of Muzaffarpur district, where he also said he was disappointed with the Prasad-led RJD after two short-lived alliances, and vowed to stay with the NDA.
Talking about his government’s push towards women’s empowerment, as evidenced by the formation of large-scale self-help groups and the recent Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, under which Rs 10,000 each was transferred to the accounts of over a million beneficiaries, Kumar drew a contrast with the previous regime.
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“Did those in power do anything for women? They didn’t care at all. It was only when, after seven years of chief ministership, a resignation could not have been avoided, the wife was installed,” Kumar said, without mentioning his detractors by name.
Prasad, who became chief minister of Bihar in 1990, held the post until 1997, when his wife, a housewife who was hitherto not known to have an aptitude for politics, was appointed to the top post, in a move that sparked huge controversy at the time.
Kumar, who in alliance with the BJP defeated the RJD in 2005, also recalled his alliances with his main rival’s party, first in 2015 and then again in 2022, both of which lasted less than two years.
Prasad’s son and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav, who is currently the leader of opposition and the main challenger to the NDA, had served as deputy CM on both occasions.
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Kumar said: “Due to circumstances, I had to associate with these people, but it didn’t take me long to realize that they were good for nothing. Now, I am back (in the NDA) for good.”
Kumar also spoke at length about his government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, education and healthcare in the state, while praising the Narendra Modi government at the Center for its cooperation.
He also pointed out that “an atmosphere of terror” prevailed in Bihar, due to poor law and order and alleged favoritism of criminals by the powers that be, until he assumed power.
“But now it is for everyone to see how much things have changed. Even conflicts between Hindus and Muslims have reduced because we were sensitive to needs such as fencing of religious places of both faiths,” Kumar said.
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