It all started with one statement by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar that shed light to Hooch tragedy-claimed lives 38 people so far in Bihar's Saran.
On being confronted by opposition in the winter session of Bihar, Kumar said,"Peeyoge toh Maroge," (You Drink, You Die). Since then minister has put himself in jeopardy as the comment drew flak not only in the state but in the entire country.
The comments hinted that if Bihar CM has zero concern with those who died in the hooch tragedy.
In the last session of parliament, Kumar in his defence said "Nobody can claim 100% prohibition as there are always some scrupulous people making money at the cost of human lives and resort to criminal acts.
The BJP on the other side has been protesting inside and outside the Assembly over the failure of implementation of the government’s prohibition policy and has also been demanding compensation to the family members of those died in the hooch tragedy.
The BJP members claimed that over 100 people had died in the Saran hooch tragedy and the government was hiding the fact.
However, Mr. Kumar doubled down in his defence of the State’s liquor ban.
Prohibition will continue in Bihar and I’ve no sympathy with those who drink liquor. No compensation will be given to people who die after drinkinghe said in the State Assembly.
While putting aside the politics over hooch, the bigger stain on Bihar's longest serving CM has been unfolded after his close aide stepped in. Yes, the name that popped in your mind at this very moment is what I am gonna writing.
Prashant Kishor, the poll strategist who himself instilled the trust on Kumar has now contradicted to his own statements.
Crushing down the Kumar's dream of stepping into the bigger role, as opposition Prime Ministerial Candidate for upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, kishore said "from the day Nitish Kumar joined the Grand Alliance, I consider it a state-specific event. Nitish Kumar's credibility as of today is such that leave aside his becoming the Prime Minister, there is a danger on him continuing as the Chief Minister of Bihar."
Reacting to Kumar's statement that Tejashwi will lead the grand alliance in 2025, Kishor said that Nitish Kumar should make Tejashwi the chief minister of Bihar right away.
"My suggestion is that what is the need to wait for 2025, RJD is the largest party in the alliance that is there today. Nitish Kumar should make Tejashwi Yadav the Chief Minister right now...So that he (Tejashwi Yadav) will have the opportunity to work for 3 years and the public will also be able to see how much great work Tejashwi Yadav does in the next 3 years, added Kishor."
Lok Jan Shakti party leader and and Lok Sabha MP Chirag Paswan pulled the guns over chief minister, meanwhile demanded President's rule in Bihar over Nitish Kumar govt's mismanagement of the Hooch Tragedy. He even alleged that the state government is hiding the real number of deaths claimed by Hooch.
With Bihar witnessing the heat in its political arena, it remains to be seen if sitting Chief minister Nitish Kumar could abide by his statements of ruling the state with Mahagathbandhan
Source: India Today, HT, TimesNow