| 29 June 2023
In a fiery speech delivered on Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, labeling him a 'Paltu Babu' (a turncoat). Shah criticized Kumar for questioning the accomplishments of the central government over the past nine years, reminding him to show respect for the allies who played a crucial role in his rise to power. Shah emphasized the extensive work undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi across the country during this period.
Addressing a crowd in Bihar's Lakhisarai district, Shah challenged Nitish Kumar to justify his contributions to the state. He accused the chief minister of simply switching alliances throughout his political career without delivering substantial progress. "Can a leader who changes houses again and again be trusted? Should Bihar be entrusted to such a man?" Shah questioned. He further claimed that Kumar's recent visit to the residence of Congress leaders was motivated by a desire to become the Prime Minister, accusing him of deceiving Lalu Yadav and plotting against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Shah's visit came shortly after a meeting of opposition party leaders in Patna, where 32 representatives from 15 parties pledged to unite against the BJP and form a common agenda for the upcoming 2024 national elections. Shah criticized this gathering and demanded strict punishment for leaders who had abandoned the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He accused these parties of being involved in corruption and scams amounting to ₹20 lakh crores between 2004 and 2014.
Highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation under the Mahagathbandhan government, Shah expressed concern about Bihar's future. He asserted that the state, known for its history of opposing corruption, would respond strongly to corrupt leaders in the 2024 polls.
Turning his attention to the Congress party, Shah launched a scathing attack, characterizing it as a "strange party." He questioned the repeated attempts to project Rahul Gandhi as a leader over the past two decades, contrasting it with the BJP's belief in leaders emerging from public support rather than orchestrated campaigns. Shah dismissed Congress' recent failed attempt to launch Rahul Gandhi in Patna as yet another example of the party's inability to connect with the people.
In his address, Shah also touched upon the issue of terrorism in India. He accused the previous Congress-led government, under Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, of failing to take decisive action in response to terrorist attacks. In contrast, he praised Prime Minister Modi's swift and resolute response to incidents such as the Pulwama and Uri attacks, citing the surgical strikes and airstrikes as evidence of India's proactive approach under the current government. Shah accused several opposition parties, including Congress, JD(U), Mamata Banerjee's TMC, and Lalu Yadav's RJD, of conveniently embracing Article 370, despite their earlier claims that its removal would lead to bloodshed in Kashmir.
As the political landscape intensifies in Bihar and the country gears up for the 2024 elections, Amit Shah's blistering critique of Nitish Kumar and the opposition parties reveals the deepening rifts and the relentless pursuit of power by all sides. Only time will tell how these dynamics will shape the future of Bihar and Indian politics as a whole.
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