Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar concluded his Samriddhi Yatra at Patna's Bapu Sabhagar, potentially his final public address as CM before moving to the Rajya Sabha. The tour, started on January 16, covered all 38 districts and ended on Thursday. He highlighted achievements from his tenure and thanked the Central government.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar concluded his Samriddhi Yatra on Thursday at Bapu Sabhagar and Gyan Bhavan within the Samrat Ashok Convention Centre in Patna. The day coincided with Emperor Ashoka's birth anniversary, starting with a tribute to the ancient ruler, followed by a review meeting with bureaucrats. The yatra, launched on January 16, covered all 38 districts, with the final two being Nalanda—his janmbhoomi—and Patna, his karmbhoomi. Nitish has served as CM since November 24, 2005, becoming Bihar's longest-serving, surpassing Dr Srikrishna Singh. Political leaders present included BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, and state minister Vijay Choudhary. In his address, Nitish contrasted his tenure with the RJD regime under Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi. “When I took over on November 24, 2005, my first challenge was to enforce the rule of law. People used to lock their doors by evening,” he said. He highlighted bicycle and uniform schemes, appointment of over five lakh teachers, and healthcare improvements: PHC patients rose from 39 to 11,600 per month, medical colleges from six to 11 (soon 18 districts), PMCH with 5,400 beds—the highest in India. He cited four agriculture roadmaps, saat nishchay programmes, industrial subsidies, electricity to every household by 2018, near-free power, and 50% subsidised solar panels. Following the caste survey, 94 lakh poor families receive aid, with Rs 10,000 to Jeevika members and up to Rs 2 lakh for businesses. “Hum Modi ji ka naman karte hai,” he said, crediting PM Modi's visits. Nitin Nabin praised Nitish for ending the 'lantern era' and restoring dignity. “Bihar will remain indebted to Nitish Kumar... NDA will follow his roadmap for a Developed Bihar by 2030,” Nabin said. In Nalanda, crowds urged him not to leave for Rajya Sabha. Kumar inaugurated projects worth ₹2183 crore. He concluded, “Aap jaan lijiye, Bihar bahut aage badhega (Know this, Bihar will progress immensely).”
