BJP’s Bihar Diwas Outreach: A Grand Welcome, Political Conversations, and the CM Debate

Guests at the BJP’s “Sneh Milan” in Noida were greeted with a traditional teeka, yellow and saffron scarves, and multiple servings of Bihar’s signature dish, litti chokha. The event, held over the weekend, was part of the party’s broader outreach to non-resident Biharis ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. While the atmosphere was festive, political discussions dominated the gathering, with the key question being: Who will be Bihar’s next Chief Minister?

The CM Question: Nitish Kumar’s Influence

Among attendees, many believed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, despite health concerns, would ensure that the BJP does not claim the CM post if the NDA wins.

• Sujeet Kumar from Samastipur stated that while Nitish’s health was a concern, he remained politically firm.
• Ajit Jha from Phulparas (Madhubani) added that the NDA’s return to power was certain, but there was speculation over whether Nitish’s son Nishant would enter politics, complicating BJP’s chances of securing the top post.

BJP’s Outreach to Non-Resident Biharis

The event in Noida was part of the BJP’s nationwide Bihar Diwas celebrations on March 22, aimed at strengthening ties with the Bihari migrant community. Leaders addressed the crowd in Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Maithili, emphasizing:

• The achievements of the Nitish Kumar-led government
• The “jungle raj” under Lalu Prasad’s RJD, which they claimed led to large-scale migration

According to BJP estimates, around 2 crore non-resident Biharis live outside the state.

“Jungle Raj” vs. “Development” Under NDA

Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP MP from Paschim Champaran and former Bihar BJP president, contrasted Lalu Prasad’s tenure (1990-2005) with the NDA’s governance:

“During Lalu’s rule, kidnapping and murder had become an industry, and caste violence was rampant. People had no choice but to migrate.”

Jaiswal credited the NDA for better infrastructure, reducing travel time between Bihar and Noida, and showcased cut-outs of key development projects featuring PM Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda.

Gathering Support: Data Collection and Political Messaging

As attendees arrived, BJP workers collected their details, including:

• Contact numbers
• Local addresses
• Assembly constituencies in Bihar

Sources revealed that this data would be used to mobilize support, urging migrants to influence their families back home to vote for the NDA.

Jaiswal encouraged the audience to visit Bihar during Chhath Puja and promised that Nitish Kumar would ensure proper travel arrangements.

“Tell your relatives about the progress the country is making under this government and encourage them to vote for NDA.”

He also reminded attendees of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nitish Kumar’s promise to build a Sita temple in Sitamarhi, similar to Ayodhya’s Ram Temple.

A Cultural Affair with Political Undertones

Before the arrival of key leaders, including BJP UP president Bhupendra Chaudhary and Noida MLA Pankaj Singh, Bhojpuri singers performed bhajans of Lord Ram, setting the tone for the event.

Raj Kumar Jha, BJP leader from Noida, who coordinated the event, emphasized that the BJP was the first party to officially celebrate Bihar Diwas.

The Verdict on Nitish Kumar’s Popularity

The question of Bihar’s next Chief Minister remained a dominant topic.

• Shriram Kushwaha (46), a Noida resident for 12 years, acknowledged Nitish’s development efforts, even when he was not with the BJP.
  

  “Tejashwi Yadav is a strong contender, but Nitish-backed NDA looks stronger. If the NDA gets a majority, either Nitish will continue as CM or he will pick his successor. He is still more popular than BJP leaders.”

• Brijesh Mahto (58), who migrated from Barh to Noida 40 years ago, appreciated the BJP’s recognition of Biharis.
  

  “Bihariyo ka kadar ho rahi hai. Isse vote khichayenge (Biharis are being valued. BJP is doing this to attract votes). This is the first time such an event has happened. Only Nitish developed Bihar, while Lalu only did jaatiwaad (caste politics).”

Conclusion

The BJP’s Bihar Diwas outreach was both a cultural and political affair, blending regional pride with electoral strategy. While the party sought to consolidate Bihari migrant votes, the conversations at the event underscored an important reality—Nitish Kumar remains a towering figure in Bihar’s politics, with his influence extending beyond party lines.