Bihar Minorities Voice Apprehensions Over Future as Nitish Kumar Files Rajya Sabha Nomination
In Patna, as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar formally filed his nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election, significant sections of Bihar's minority community have begun expressing deep-seated concerns regarding the future trajectory of several key welfare initiatives and the overall law and order situation in the state once he vacates the chief ministerial position.
Community Members Highlight Nitish Kumar's Legacy
Simab Akhtar, a resident of Sitamarhi, publicly appreciated the extensive work undertaken by the Chief Minister specifically for Muslim students and Madarsa educators. "I genuinely admire his numerous schemes and pivotal decisions related to minority welfare. My father served as a Madarsa teacher. During Lalu Prasad's regime, his annual salary was a mere Rs 4,000. By the time of his retirement, thanks to the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission by Nitish Ji, he was receiving Rs 49,000 per month," Akhtar recounted with gratitude.
He further emphasized that the public would now recognize Nitish Kumar's contributions even more profoundly. "Even staunch followers of Lalu Prasad cannot deny the substantial work Nitish Ji accomplished for the Muslim community. In fact, they are discussing it openly now," Akhtar stated, adding a crucial point about communal harmony. "A major achievement was the absence of any large-scale communal violence during his entire tenure, which ensured lasting peace."
Specific Welfare Schemes and Law and Order Praised
Mohammad Gauhar, residing in Raja Bazar, Patna, pointed towards several concrete initiatives that benefited the community. These included scholarships for minority students, provision of free coaching services, and the construction of boundary walls around graveyards. He also stressed the Chief Minister's role in maintaining robust law and order.
"He is widely credited for establishing and sustaining peace across Bihar. Now, we are naturally worried about what the situation might become after he steps down from the top post. It was Nitish Kumar who consistently prevented any major violence from erupting and ensured that Bihar remained a peaceful state. It remains to be seen how the BJP manages these critical aspects going forward," Gauhar expressed with concern.
JD(U) Spokesperson Reaffirms Commitment and Achievements
Anjum Ara, the state spokesperson for the Janata Dal (United), highlighted the Chief Minister's unparalleled record in preserving communal harmony. She noted that only in Nawada was a curfew imposed briefly, which swiftly brought a localized situation under control.
"He maintained peace consistently throughout his long tenure. Every citizen, regardless of community, lived without fear," Ara asserted confidently.
She elaborated on the specific welfare measures, praising the scholarships for minority students, financial support systems established for divorced Muslim women, the significant increase in salaries for Madarsa teachers, and the fencing projects for graveyards.
"Nitish Ji remains a key part of the NDA alliance, and he has personally assured that he will continue to take care of Bihar's interests. We have firm faith that the high benchmark of governance and principle-based administration set by Nitish Ji will be diligently continued by his successor," Anjum Ara concluded, expressing optimism for continuity.
