New Delhi: Union minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Monday said Nitish Kumar will take oath as Bihar Chief Minister again after the assembly elections to be held later this year.
Paswan’s remarks came just two days after he expressed “regret” over having to support the Nitish Kumar government, which he alleged has “surrendered” before criminals.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, the Union food processing minister also accused the Opposition of targeting the Army to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Operation Sindoor.
“Being an ally of the NDA alliance, it is my responsibility that if there is any information about any issue in the government, we have to discuss and improve it…We are fighting the upcoming Bihar assembly elections under the leadership of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and after winning the elections, he will again take oath as the Chief Minister… The NDA is united in Bihar,” he said.
When asked if he will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Paswan said: “I wish to…”
He further said, “…Being an honest ally, should I just focus only on those seats on which I am contesting the elections? Then what kind of an ally am I?… Should I not campaign on 243 seats?… If they (opposition) listen to me completely, their intentions will calm down…”
Paswan, the MP from Hajipur in Bihar, said the NDA is a “winning combination” for the elections and reiterated his commitment towards Prime Minister Modi.
“Several times, I have reiterated that my commitment and love are towards the Prime Minister. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the elections (in Bihar) will be fought. After the election results, Nitish Kumar will again take the oath as chief minister. He will be the chief minister,” he said.
On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Paswan said this process has happened four times earlier with no difference, except that digital technology has been linked now.
“Earlier, one used to go for physical documentation and now online you can submit,” he said.
The Union food processing minister pointed out that Aadhaar cards do not have place of birth clarity, adding that people can appeal at three levels if there are any problems. “Opposition created such noise on this issue. Have they given any proof to show if names have been removed wrongly?” he asked.
“Only the one wrongly registered will be deleted. But at the same time, it will be ensured that no one is meted out with injustice. We also need to ensure intruders do not take advantage of our voters,” Paswan said.
He noted that after every election, it was the Opposition that complained to the Election Commission about anomalies in voter lists. “EVMs are fine now, voter lists are an issue for them.” The minister said the process will be implemented across the country eventually.
“Intensive revision is necessary. Some deceased’s names are on the list and it is continuing. (SIR) is implemented in Bihar. In the coming days, it will be done in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where elections are due, and eventually across the country.” Responding to RJD MP Manoj Jha’s suggestion about sending a fact-finding committee to Bihar to assess the law and order situation, Paswan said, “I am a Bihari. I need not send a committee to understand the situation in my state. I know the situation and therefore expressed concern.” “When I raise the issue, they see my revolt. It is not a revolt, but a concern,” he added.
