Patna witnessed a significant political spectacle on Tuesday as the Bharatiya Janata Party's newly appointed national working president, Nitin Nabin, arrived in the state capital. His visit, marked by a massive roadshow and a grand felicitation ceremony, served as a platform for a sharp political offensive against opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.
A Grand Welcome and Political Barbs
This was Nabin's first trip to Patna since taking charge of his new role in Delhi on December 15. He was greeted with an enthusiastic reception that stretched nearly 6 kilometers from the Patna airport to the state BJP headquarters. Despite the biting cold, party workers from Patna and neighboring districts lined the route to cheer for him.
The procession turned into a vibrant spectacle featuring elephants, horses, camels, a decorated bullock cart, and drum beaters. The convoy was led by a ceremonial 'rath'. The event saw a minor hiccup when a horse threw off its rider, a party worker, who sustained injuries before the animal was brought under control.
Targeting 'Short-Term' and 'Part-Time' Politicians
Addressing a felicitation function at the Miller School ground, Nitin Nabin launched a direct attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He accused Gandhi of repeatedly undermining the country's institutions and its global image. "There are some leaders, the Rahul Gandhi type, who do short-term politics," Nabin stated. He criticized Gandhi for allegedly speaking against India while abroad, citing an event in Germany, and for attacking domestic institutions like the Election Commission and the Supreme Court when in the country.
Nabin then turned his focus to Bihar's Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, labeling him a "part-time politician." He alleged that Tejashwi is absent from the Legislative Assembly when it is in session, missing from the streets during public issues, and travels abroad after electoral defeats.
A Call for 24x7 Dedication and BJP's Expansion Vision
Contrasting the BJP's ethos with that of its rivals, Nabin urged party workers to embrace full-time dedication. "We don't want you to be part-time politicians. We ask you to work for twenty-four hours, 24x7, and become a full-time politician. Politics does not have space for short-cut methods," he exhorted the cadre.
He assured them that patient work would be rewarded, with the central leadership ready to elevate dedicated workers from even a polling booth to the centre stage. Describing the BJP as a "big joint family," he asked workers to align with the development initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Bihar.
Echoing the confidence of state minister Mangal Pandey, Nabin declared that the BJP's victory in the recent Bihar assembly polls was just the beginning. He set ambitious goals for the party, stating, "It will win Bengal and also unfurl its flag in Kerala."
Meetings with Top Leadership
The day's events were attended by senior BJP leaders including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, state party chief Sanjay Saraogi, Union ministers, and former ministers.
Following the public function, Nabin paid courtesy calls on Governor Arif Mohammed Khan at Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at his official residence. He also held meetings with the party's MPs, MLAs, and MLCs.
BJP state functionary Danish Iqbal said the discussions focused on key issues concerning Bihar's overall development, good governance, and public welfare, describing them as meaningful and constructive.
Nabin's visit successfully combined a display of the BJP's organizational strength in Bihar with a clear political message, setting the tone for the party's aggressive posture ahead of future electoral battles.
