In a surprising turn of political camaraderie, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan has showered praise on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, declaring him deserving of India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna. This endorsement comes amid ongoing discussions about national awards and political alignments in the state.
Paswan, who has had a chequered history with Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), made these remarks during a recent public address. ‘Nitish Kumar ji has dedicated his life to the development of Bihar. His contributions to education, infrastructure, and social welfare make him truly worthy of the Bharat Ratna,’ Paswan stated emphatically.
The statement has sparked intrigue in political circles, especially considering the past tensions between the two leaders. Chirag Paswan’s father, Ram Vilas Paswan, was once a close ally of Nitish, but relations soured after the 2020 Bihar assembly elections when Chirag’s party contested against JD(U).
Despite the electoral rivalry, Paswan highlighted Nitish’s governance achievements. He pointed to initiatives like the expansion of road networks, improvement in power supply, and focus on prohibition as key milestones. ‘Bihar has transformed under his leadership, and the nation should recognize this,’ he added.
This praise arrives at a time when the NDA alliance in Bihar is gearing up for future challenges. With Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, such gestures could signal deepening ties within the coalition. Political analysts see this as Chirag’s strategic move to strengthen his position within the NDA while honoring a senior leader.
Nitish Kumar, known for his frequent political shifts, has been steering Bihar towards development goals. His alliance with the BJP-led NDA has been pivotal in maintaining stability. Paswan’s words underscore a rare moment of unity across party lines.
As the political landscape evolves, this endorsement might pave the way for closer collaboration. Whether it translates into formal support for the Bharat Ratna remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a new chapter to Bihar’s dynamic politics.