Patna: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Monday wrote a three-page letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response to his Bihar Diwas message, thanking him for appreciating the state’s development and reaffirming his commitment to taking Bihar to greater heights while restoring its historic legacy.In the letter, Nitish also congratulated Modi for setting a record by serving the longest tenure as head of govt at both the state and national levels. He said Bihar has witnessed a strong phase of governance and development since the NDA govt first came to power in the state on Nov 24, 2005.Nitish wrote that since then, Bihar has seen the establishment of the rule of law and sustained work across sectors and for all sections of society under the principle of “development with justice.” He credited this approach with laying the foundation for broad-based progress in the state.Expressing gratitude for the Centre’s continued support, Nitish said Bihar has recently received several important benefits in the form of special economic assistance and major development announcements. These include support for roads, industry, health, tourism, flood control, the setting up of a Makhana Board, development of new airports, and financial aid for the Western Kosi Canal. He also noted that Bihar getting the chance to host the Khelo India Youth Games and the men’s and women’s Asian Hockey events was a matter of pride for the state. Nitish added that Modi’s regular visits to Bihar reflect his special attachment to the state.The CM said the people of Bihar are today building a distinct identity across the country and the world through their hard work and talent. He recalled that even as Gujarat chief minister, Modi had shown respect and warmth towards people from Bihar, valuing their contribution and treating them like family. Nitish said that as PM too, Modi continues to show the same affection, respect and connection with Bihar.Highlighting the state govt’s work, Nitish said Bihar has made continuous progress in education and health, while also expanding electricity, roads, bridges, culverts and other infrastructure. He said agriculture has advanced significantly through roadmap-based planning. Under schemes such as Saat Nishchay, households have been provided electricity, piped water, toilets and road connectivity, while large-scale employment and job opportunities have been created for the youth.He said the govt has now prepared the Saat Nishchay-3 programme for 2025-30 to further speed up Bihar’s development and help place the state among the country’s leading performers.In the letter, Nitish also stressed that his govt has focused on the inclusive development of every section of society, regardless of caste or religion. He pointed to major steps for women’s empowerment, including 50% reservation in panchayats and urban local bodies and 35% reservation in govt jobs. He said Jeevika self-help groups have helped make crores of women economically self-reliant, while Modi’s interaction with Jeevika Didis and the Centre’s Lakhpati Didi initiative have further boosted women’s confidence.
