Patna, February 18: In a sharp rebuttal to Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav’s ‘puppet chief minister’ remark, state minister Lakhan Dev Paswan fired back, claiming Yadav’s mirror to gauge development has shattered. ‘He needs spectacles to truly see the progress unfolding in Bihar,’ Paswan quipped during an exclusive interview with IANS here.
Paswan passionately defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s relentless efforts to transform Bihar. ‘Day and night, Nitish ji toils to build a robust state. The public has witnessed his exhaustive tours across Bihar, addressing grassroots issues firsthand. He personally attends both houses of the legislature, making decisive calls independently,’ the minister asserted. He dismissed Yadav’s jabs as a sign of the RJD leader’s inability to recognize real advancement.
Turning to demands for reviewing the liquor ban law raised by RLJM MLA Madhav Anand, Paswan reaffirmed its necessity. ‘When prohibition was imposed, our vision was crystal clear: empowering women, fostering a developed, prosperous, strong, and healthy Bihar. It’s indispensable. Reviewing full implementation is fair game,’ he added.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Ajay Kumar weighed in, citing a past incident from the 17th Assembly to question Nitish’s authority. ‘Education Principal Secretary KK Pathak announced schools would run from 9 AM to 5 PM, sparking statewide protests. Despite Nitish announcing a shift to 10 AM-4 PM in the House, Pathak insisted his order stood, and it did. If that’s not puppetry, what is?’ Kumar challenged.
As political rhetoric heats up in Bihar ahead of key electoral battles, these exchanges underscore deepening rifts within the state’s polarized landscape. Nitish Kumar remains steadfast in his vow to deliver a developed Bihar, undeterred by opposition barbs.