Patna, February 10 BJP national president Nitin Nabin asserted in the Bihar assembly on Tuesday that the state's image has improved significantly since the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, came to power, defeating the RJD-Congress combine.
Nabin, a former state minister who continues to represent the Bankipur seat, made his first appearance in the Assembly since he was elevated to the top party position a month ago.
"I remember my days as a student, when I had not dreamt of entering politics, and I can recall the image crisis that Bihar had suffered from. I am pleased to note that under the leadership of the chief minister, the image has improved significantly, and Bihar is now being treated with respect," said the BJP chief.
Incidentally, Kumar, who heads the JD(U), was not present inside the House during the nearly 45-minute period that Nabin spent among fellow MLAs.
The 45-year-old BJP leader was warmly received at the Vidhan Sabha entrance by state NDA leaders like Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Sinha, and minister Mangal Pandey (all BJP), JD(U) minister Ashok Choudhary, and LJP-RV MLA Raju Tiwari.
As Nabin entered the House and took his seat, members of the BJP, which is now the single largest party in the 243-member assembly, erupted in slogans like "Jai Shri Ram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".
Speaker Prem Kumar, a veteran BJP leader himself, told the House that it was a matter of pride that Nabin, a young member, has made it to the top in national politics.
The Speaker then allowed members of different parties to speak briefly about the rise of the 45-year-old leader to national prominence.
Those who spoke included JD(U) MLA and minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, besides the two Deputy CMs, state BJP president Sanjay Saraogi, Raju Tiwari, Rashtriya Lok Morcha's Madhaw Anand, and Hindustani Awam Morcha's Jyoti Devi.
Thereafter, the Speaker urged Nabin to share his thoughts with the House, and the BJP national president spoke for nearly 15 minutes before leaving.
Nabin recalled his entry into politics in 2006, following the death of his father Navin Kishore Sinha, and said, "While starting my political journey, I could not have imagined that I would come this far. Full credit goes to my party as well as this House, which taught me how to conduct myself in public life".
The BJP president also profusely thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reposing trust in him.
Incidentally, nearly half an hour before Nabin's arrival, members of the opposition had staged a walkout. They had come to the House carrying placards complaining about the rising incidence of crimes against women in the state.
