Patna: NDA leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, lauded JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar’s impeccable career as Bihar CM for almost two decades after he took oath as a Rajya Sabha member on Friday, setting the ball rolling for the political and generational transition in Bihar politics.Nitish, who returned to Patna from Delhi, has already said he would hand over the rein to “naye log” in the next three-four days, indicating that JD(U) ally BJP may have its CM in Bihar for the first time next week.In a social media post, PM Modi praised Nitish for his commitment to good governance. “Nitish Kumar Ji is one of the most experienced leaders in the country. His commitment to good governance has been widely appreciated. He has made an indelible contribution to the development of Bihar. It will be a great pleasure to see him in Parliament once again. He has also served for many years as both an MP and a Union minister. I am fully confident that his vast political experience will further enhance the dignity of Parliament. Heartiest congratulations to him on taking the oath as a Rajya Sabha member, along with my best wishes for his upcoming tenure,” Modi posted on X.BJP national president Nitin Nabin also lauded Nitish’s “unwavering commitment to good governance.” He said Nitish’s extensive experience in public life will undoubtedly elevate the dignity of the Upper House to new heights. “Your unparalleled contribution to the development of Bihar and your administrative foresight will further strengthen the functioning of Parliament. Best wishes for a successful tenure,” Nitin said.Sharing his feelings, Union minister and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi stated: “Bihar will miss you, Nitish Ji. It is not just me, but the entire populace of Bihar saying this.”Senior BJP leader and deputy CM Samrat Choudhary congratulated him on taking oath as a Rajya Sabha member. “Guided by the mantra of development with justice, Bihar has written a new chapter of progress and inclusive growth under Nitish’s leadership as CM. The 50% reservation implemented for women in panchayats and urban local body elections in Bihar under your leadership has since become an exemplary model for the entire nation,” Samrat said.“In Bihar, robust infrastructure, improved education and healthcare systems, effective initiatives for women’s empowerment, and a strong law and order framework have given the state a new identity. In Bihar prior to 2005, when even the courts had characterised it as a ‘jungle raj’, Nitish Kumar undertook the task of establishing good governance,” Samrat added. BJP MP and former Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said “Nitish is like a standard in Indian politics”.
