Nitish Kumar hails PM Modi's 12-year tenure, praises governance model

Patna, June 10 (IANS) Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Nitish Kumar has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the completion of 12 years of the NDA government at the Centre, praising his leadership, governance model, and contribution to strengthening public trust in Indian democracy. 

In a detailed column published in a Hindi daily newspaper, Nitish Kumar described Modi’s political journey as an inspiration for millions and highlighted his role in expanding welfare delivery, promoting transparency, and elevating India’s global stature.

“In a vast and competitive democracy like India, winning the public’s trust is difficult, and maintaining it is even harder. Yet, despite fierce political rivalry and rigorous public scrutiny, Narendra Modi has succeeded in sustaining that trust,” Kumar wrote.

Reflecting on their shared political background, Nitish Kumar said both leaders belonged to a generation whose political consciousness was shaped during the Emergency period.

“Although we hail from geographically distinct regions of India, we are fellow representatives of the same generation whose political consciousness was shaped by the Emergency. We witnessed the assault on democratic freedoms firsthand and participated in the movement aimed at restoring democratic values. That struggle moulded our understanding of public life and democratic principles,” he stated.

Nitish Kumar emphasised that Prime Minister Modi’s rise from humble beginnings to the country’s highest elected office had challenged long-standing perceptions about political power in India.

“For decades, the prevailing perception was that the nation’s highest offices were reserved for a privileged few or for those born into influential political families. Prime Minister Modi’s journey challenged this notion. Rising from humble origins to the country’s highest elected office, Modi serves as an inspiration to millions,” Kumar wrote.

Calling Modi’s journey “a living testament to the strength and openness of Indian democracy,” the JD(U) leader said politics should primarily serve the welfare of the people and praised the Modi government’s welfare initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and social empowerment.

“As a follower of Dr Lohia, JP, and other socialist leaders, I have always viewed politics as a means to ensure public welfare. Lifting people out of poverty and ensuring a dignified life should be the foremost priority for any politician,” he wrote.

Nitish Kumar credited the NDA government with lifting nearly 250 million people out of multidimensional poverty and expanding access to essential facilities such as toilets, bank accounts, housing, LPG connections, tap water supply, and health insurance.

He further noted that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, women, poor families, and first-time beneficiaries of welfare schemes had increasingly become active participants in India’s development journey.

Highlighting women-centric initiatives, Nitish Kumar said women had directly benefited from several welfare schemes launched under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

“My own experience in Bihar has shown that society progresses rapidly when women are placed at the centre of development initiatives. It is no surprise that the success of Bihar’s ‘Jeevika’ initiative is now being discussed globally,” he said.

The former Bihar Chief Minister also praised Modi’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of government schemes.

“Prime Minister Modi emphasises ensuring that governance outcomes translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Whether it involves welfare schemes, infrastructure development, or public service delivery, he has consistently focused on efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” Kumar wrote.

On corruption, Nitish Kumar said he had always supported a zero-tolerance policy and lauded Modi’s spotless record and firm stance against corruption.

“Few leaders in Indian politics have managed to remain at the pinnacle of power for decades without a single blemish on their reputation,” he remarked.

Nitish Kumar further credited Prime Minister Modi with enhancing India’s standing on the global stage and strengthening cooperative federalism.

“In my own experience as Chief Minister, I found that he extended support for Bihar’s development regardless of political circumstances. Prime Minister Modi holds deep respect for Bihar’s unique culture and traditions,” he wrote.

Describing leadership as a product of discipline, hard work, and relentless effort, Nitish Kumar said Modi’s energy and dedication had enabled him to sustain the public’s confidence over a prolonged period.

“He has achieved the milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister with consecutive terms. This is an occasion to celebrate his contributions to public life and to extend best wishes for even greater achievements in the future,” Kumar concluded.

--IANS

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