PATNA: Even as the grand success of Prakashotsav, the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Govind Singh, raised Bihar’s profile nationally and globally, earning Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wholesome praise, the week-long gala brought out the inherent cracks in Bihar’s alliance government.
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and the Congress, partners in the JD(U) government, felt bitterly belittled by overwhelming perceptions that the glittering festivities in Patna were the result of the dedication of one man—Nitish Kumar. Despite running the coalition government for over a year, the three allies failed to put up a united show during the Prakashotsav.
Lalu was unhappy with hoardings with Nitish’s picture splattered across Patna because RJD is the largest constituent (80 MLAs) of the ruling grand alliance and his two sons are senior ministers in Nitish’s Cabinet. “If my photo is not anywhere, at least the deputy CM’s (Tejaswi Yadav) photos should have accompanied those of the CM,” Yadav told Bhola Yadav, his aide and member of the Bihar Legislative Council.
Bhola Yadav had aired the RJD chief’s views before officials in the chief minister’s office. “He (Bhola Yadav) was told that it was too late as all the hoardings were up and any change would spread wrong impressions,” said an RJD leader.
The RJD chief—who is trying to rule Bihar by proxy—was embittered that the Nitish-led coalition government is keen on erasing his legacy in the state. RJD leaders are worried that despite Lalu’s sons being ministers, most policy decisions are taken by Nitish and a core group of JD(U) leaders. The Congress, the smallest constituent with 27 MLAs, also shares the same view.
“Without RJD, the grand alliance and the government are unimaginable. It hardly matters if someone is adding more shine to his image through this festival. Since the tourism department is with RJD, the credit goes to the party,” said RJD legislator Bhai Birendra.
“There was a need of showing a bigger heart. Images of alliance leaders should have been given space on hoardings and publicity material,” said Congress leader Shakil Ahmed Khan.
“Such statements clearly aim at taking Bihar back to the dark days,” said JD(U) spokesperson Sanjay Singh, referring to the RJD-Congress rule that was known as “jungle raj”.