Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a direct appeal to the Muslim community on Saturday, criticizing earlier administrations for treating them as a “vote bank” without implementing substantive welfare measures. The Janata Dal (United) leader contrasted his government’s record with previous regimes, particularly targeting the Rashtriya Janata Dal, which governed Bihar from 1990 to 2005.
“Before 2005, no work was done for the Muslim community in the state. Prior to that, the government in Bihar used them solely as a vote bank. Communal clashes were a regular occurrence in various parts of the state,” Kumar stated in a Hindi post on X.
Government Initiatives Highlighted
Nitish Kumar emphasized his administration’s efforts since assuming office on November 24, 2005. He noted that the Minority Welfare Department’s budget for 2025-26 has increased 306-fold to Rs 1,080.47 crore. His government initiated graveyard fencing in 2006 to prevent communal tensions.
“To date, more than 8,000 graveyards have been fenced,” Kumar wrote, adding that 1,273 additional sites were identified in community consultation, with 746 completed and remaining work underway.
The Chief Minister referenced the 1989 Bhagalpur communal riots, stating: “When these same opposition parties were in power, communal riots broke out in Bhagalpur in 1989. The government failed to stop the riots, and previous governments did nothing for the victims of the riots. When we had the opportunity to serve, we investigated the Bhagalpur communal riots, took strict action against the perpetrators, and provided compensation to the riot victims.”
Kumar also highlighted madrasa registration, support for Muslim divorcees, and children’s education initiatives, concluding: “I humbly request all of you not to be under any illusions. Remember the work our government has done for you and decide on that basis who to vote for.”
LJP Leader Joins Muslim Outreach
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan claimed his late father proposed a Muslim chief minister in 2005, which the RJD rejected. “In 2005, my leader, my father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan ji even sacrificed his own party to make a Muslim chief minister—yet even then, you did not support him,” Paswan posted on X.
Bihar’s 243-member Assembly elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.
