Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, September 8
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who kicked off the JDU election campaign through digital mode on Monday claimed people call him “Quantaliya Baba” as he had distributed quintals of foodgrains to the families of migrant workers and flood affected areas.
Speaking for a record (for JDU leader) three hours, Nitish Kumar said during his visit to Darbhanga in North Bihar, people were describing him as Quantaliya Baba. Irrigation Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha, who was with the CM said in rural areas too, Nitish Kumar was known as Quintaliya Baba for his decision to distribute free ration to the people till November and heavy gratuitous relief.
In Chhattisgarh, the then chief minister, Raman Singh was called “chaur (rice) wale baba” for free rice supplied to the tribals.
Nitish listed his achievements since 2005 when he came to power and claimed the state had improved in all sectors-power, road or water. In the crime situation too, Bihar was doing well as it was placed at 33rd position in rape, 29th on crime against women and 23rd on kidnapping.
He set the agenda of the party’s campaign by highlighting the 15 years of Lalu-Rabri rule and said even the High Court called their regime as Jungle Raj.”Once Lalu Prasad went to jail, people are feeling liberated and free,” Nitish said.
He regretted that social media was being misused to campaign against him and his government. He was obviously referring to tweets of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejshwsi Yadav
He too once asked his irrigation minister during his stay at Rajgir Circuit House to write ten tweets and release them in phases daily. He realised its futility after getting response on five tweets and cancelled the remaining tweets.
Speaking for the first time through the digital dedicated platform to his electorate all over the state, Nitish said Bihar fought successfully against Corona and it was because of the success to control virus, Election Commission has decided to conduct Bihar assembly elections on schedule.
The Chief Minister said district magistrates have been directed to distribute free masks to all. He claimed he was the first to alert the nation on the spread of endemic diseases.
He reiterated his commitment on three fronts-not to compromise on corruption, crime and communalism. During his speech, there was no mention of BJP or LJP, alliance partners in the NDA.
Bijendra Prasad Yadav, energy minister, however, remembered Atal Bihari Vajpayee and quoted his famous poem “’Rarr Nahi Thanunga” and said JDU was against any confrontation. Without naming RJD leaders, he said they use abusive language against JDU leaders, but we would not respond.
Party leaders had installed TV sets in all the 243 constituencies to facilitate people to hear Nitish Kumar.
