Patna witnessed a grand celebration of Makar Sankranti on Friday as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended a festive feast hosted by BJP national working president Nitin Nabin. The event brought together a large gathering of ministers and NDA leaders, showcasing a spirit of unity and cultural pride.
A Gathering of Political Leaders
Several prominent figures joined the Chief Minister at the feast. Bihar legislative assembly Speaker Prem Kumar participated in the festivities. Union minister Nityanand Rai also attended the event. Deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were present alongside other ministers.
Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary joined the celebration. Dilip Jaiswal and Shreyasi Singh also participated in the traditional meal. Patna Sahib MP Ravi Shankar Prasad attended the gathering. RLM chief and MP Upendra Kushwaha was among the distinguished guests.
BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi joined the feast. Former assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav participated in the event. Former deputy chief minister Tarkishore Prasad also attended. Several MLAs and party workers joined the celebration, making it a significant political and cultural occasion.
Cultural Significance of the Festival
Nitin Nabin emphasized the deeper meaning of Makar Sankranti during the event. He stated that the festival represents more than just a seasonal celebration. According to him, it stands as a powerful symbol of cultural heritage and social harmony.
"The dahi-chura feast embodies a unique tradition of Bihar and Purvanchal," Nabin explained. "This simple meal conveys important messages of simplicity, equality, and mutual brotherhood among people."
The former minister highlighted how such traditional events strengthen social bonds within communities. He noted that these gatherings provide valuable opportunities for younger generations to connect with their cultural roots. Nabin reaffirmed the BJP's commitment to preserving and promoting Indian culture, traditions, and festivals through such initiatives.
Call for Dedicated Service
The BJP national working president urged party workers to demonstrate complete dedication in their service. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that government welfare schemes reach every last person in society. Nabin called for concerted efforts to bridge gaps in implementation and accessibility.
Political Dynamics at Play
While the feast celebrated cultural traditions, it also revealed interesting political undercurrents. Two Rashtriya Lok Morcha MLAs attracted media attention during the event. These legislators attended the feast alongside another party MLA, despite their leader Upendra Kushwaha being present.
Sources indicate these MLAs have expressed dissatisfaction with recent party developments. They are reportedly unhappy about Kushwaha making his son a minister despite the son holding neither an MLA nor an MLC position. This discontent has manifested in their absence from recent party events, including activities held on the same Friday.
The Makar Sankranti celebration thus served multiple purposes - honoring cultural traditions, fostering political unity, and revealing ongoing political dynamics within coalition partners. The event successfully blended cultural preservation with political networking in the capital city of Bihar.
