Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar to share dais for first time after patch-up

NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is set to share the stage with PM Narendra Modi for the first time since his party Janata Dal (United) returned to the NDA fold when the PM visits the state on Saturday. Modi is scheduled to attend Patna University’s centenary function in the state capital, besides laying the foundation stone of a bridge over the Ganga near Mokama town.

Kumar will be present on the dais along with the PM on both the occasions, officials said. Earlier, in late August, the PM had, along with Kumar, conducted an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas of Bihar, after which he had announced Rs 500 crore as immediate relief for the state.

Kumar had returned to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in July after triggering the collapse of the grand alliance that included the RJD and Congress along with the JD U.

“Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Mokama area is significant. There is an old demand for water management in Tal area (massive land segment that holds flood water till September). I hope the CM will draw the PM’s attention to this demand,” a Mokama-based person told ET on condition of anonymity.

Pulses and oilseeds are the main crops in the Tal area, he said. In the state capital, the PM is slated to attend the centenary ceremony of Patna University in the campus of the prestigious Patna Science College. “There is already a demand for giving status of central university to Patna University. So, there are high expectations from the PM’s visit,” said a person from Patna, who did not wish to be identified.