Need to shun politics for Bihar’s growth: Nitish

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Nitish Kumar exuded bonhomie during the PM’s visit to Patna and Hajipur, a function at Gopalganj on Sunday provided another glimpse of changing contours of development politics in Bihar.

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Nitish Kumar exuded bonhomie during the PM’s visit to Patna and Hajipur, a function at Gopalganj on Sunday provided another glimpse of changing contours of development politics in Bihar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar in Hajipur on Saturday. (PTI Photo)

Addressing a gathering, Kumar categorically said that there would be no politics on the state’s development. He even reminded the people of the PM’s Saturday visit to Bihar to underline that development was the agenda of talks between the two.

“We are committed to working together for the state’s development. The poor and the backward can benefit only when the rays of development reach all villages. To make that happen, the government is working on its seven resolves with sincerity,” he added.

Kumar was speaking after inaugurating the Gopalganj-Bettiah bridge, built by the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited at Jadopur (Gopalganj). The bridge has been built at a cost of Rs 548 crore. Deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav chaired the function.

“If we all remain united, no power can prevent progress of the state. Today, leaders from all political parties are on the dais. There is no politics in it,” he said, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit just a day ago.

“In Patna also, talks revolved round development. Bihar needs special status, as it can prevent migration and add pace to progress with industrial development. At the present pace of development, it will require at least 20-22 years to achieve full development. Special status is Bihar’s rightful claim and we will keep raising the demand,” he added.

Kumar said the bridge would usher in greater economic development of farmers of the region, as they would find it convenient to take their produce to the market.

“The government is committed to bringing smiles on the faces of all sections of society. The approach roads on both sides of the bridge will be built at a cost of Rs 277 crore and it will be connected to national highway 28 and state highway 54. Land acquisition work for roads is under progress,” he added.

The CM said the construction of bridges and roads would give a boost to economic progress in both Gopalganj and Bettiah. “Besides, it will also bring relief to a big population living in the riverine area, which has to face floods every year,” he added.

He also took note of the erosion problem in the region and said a team from the water resources department would visit the place for survey within a week. “Officials will find a way to give people relief from the perennial problem of erosion. The displaced people will be rehabilitated on 45 acres of land in Bishnupur village,” he added.