Bodh Gaya – In a high-profile event marked by political symbolism and development promises, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar jointly launched and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Bodh Gaya on Saturday.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Magadh University, was attended by top Union and state leaders, with PM Modi remotely unveiling a wide range of infrastructure initiatives across sectors like power, health, railways, roads, urban development, water management, and cancer care.
Nitish Hails Modi’s Support for ‘Viksit Bihar 2025’ Vision
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar warmly welcomed PM Modi to the “holy land” of Bodh Gaya and expressed gratitude for the Centre’s consistent backing. He emphasized the shared commitment toward achieving the goal of a “Viksit Bihar by 2025” – a developed, modern, and inclusive state.
“The central government is working shoulder-to-shoulder with us. With Prime Minister Modi’s support, Bihar is accelerating towards transformation,” Nitish declared in his address.
He highlighted 14 major projects that were inaugurated, including roadworks, electricity upgrades, and municipal development plans. Two new train services were also flagged off.
Read also: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Transfers Rs. 456 Crore to Flood-Affected Families – Details Inside
Spotlight on Religious Tourism and Urban Renewal
Nitish took special pride in showcasing developments in Gaya and Bodh Gaya, popular religious and cultural destinations. Recent initiatives include:
- Rubber Dam and Sita Setu on the Falgu River
- Mahabodhi Cultural Centre
- A newly built VIP Guest House
“These places used to suffer from neglect,” said Nitish. “But with sustained efforts and Centre’s help, we’ve revived their significance.”
Social Welfare: Free Power and Expanded Pensions
In a strong welfare pitch, the CM announced the rollout of free electricity for all domestic households in Bihar, effective from July. He also pointed to the tripling of monthly pensions for the elderly, widows, and disabled persons from ₹400 to ₹1,100, benefiting over 1.12 crore citizens.
Massive Employment Drive Underway
Nitish Kumar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to employment generation:
- 10 lakh government jobs already delivered
- Total employment (public + private) reached 39 lakh
- Target: 1 crore jobs in the next five years
Special incentives will be extended to attract new industries to Bihar, he added.
Strong Central Backing in Union Budgets
Citing announcements made in the 2024 and 2025 Union Budgets, Nitish detailed allocations made specifically for Bihar:
- New airports, support for Makhana Board, Western Kosi Canal funding
- Big-ticket allocations for roads, health, flood control, and tourism
He proudly announced that Bihar will host the Khelo India Youth Games, becoming the 7th state in the country to do so.
A Show of NDA Unity and Political Strength
The stage was packed with leaders from across the NDA alliance, showcasing unity ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. Among those present were:
- Union Ministers: Jitan Ram Manjhi, Lalan Singh, Chirag Paswan, Ramnath Thakur, Nityanand Rai, Satishchandra Dubey, Rajbhushan Chaudhary
- Deputy CMs: Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha
- State Leaders: BJP’s Dr. Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, JDU’s Sanjay Kumar Jha, and several MPs, MLAs, and ministers
Read also: CM Nitish Kumar Unveils Special Economic Package to Boost Industrial Growth and Employment in Bihar
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Nitish Kumar also reflected on past governance, saying previous governments neglected Bihar’s growth. “Since NDA came to power in 2005, we have focused on law, education, health, and connectivity. Today, that work is visible across the state.”
He ended his speech with a message to the people: “Remember these development works. They are your future. And for that future, I thank PM Modi once again.”
