Nitish Kumar Embarks on 15th Annual Yatra, Ignores Opposition Jibes

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday embarked on his 15th annual yatra, dubbed the Pragati Yatra, from Tharuhat in Champaran district, undeterred by criticism from Opposition leaders.

The yatra, which was initially scheduled as the Mahila Sambad Yatra from December 15, has been renamed Pragati Yatra. Former Chief Minister and RJD president Lalu Prasad had mocked the yatra, claiming it was an "eyes-baking" (nayannsukh) yatra, while Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad alleged that over Rs 450 crores were being wasted on the yatra.

On the first day of his winter tour, Kumar visited Ghotwa village, a Tharu-dominated pocket in Champaran, and laid the foundation of 139 projects. He also inaugurated a power station and later visited Chanpatiya. The Chief Minister held a meeting with officials at the district headquarters in Bettiah.

Kumar's earlier yatras were known by various names, including Nyay, Vikas, Prawas, Vishwas, Sewa, Adhikar, Sanklap, Nischay, Sameeksha, Jal Jeevan Hariyali, Samadhan, and Dhanyawad.

The Chief Minister will visit north Bihar districts from January 4 during the second leg of the Pragati Yatra.

The Opposition's criticism of the yatra has not deterred Kumar, who has been undertaking these annual tours since he took over as Chief Minister. The yatra is seen as an attempt by Kumar to connect with the people and showcase his government's development initiatives.This will be the last official yatra of chief minister as state assembly elections are due next year