Bihar govt committed to prohibition, BJP given CM’s post as ‘reciprocity’: Dy CM Chaudhary

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary on Thursday asserted that prohibition will not be lifted in the state, reiterating that the existing law will be enforced strictly.

In his first media interaction after assuming the office of Deputy Chief Minister, Chaudhary dismissed demands from some NDA leaders, including JD(U) MLA Anant Singh, RLM MLA Madhav Anand and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, to repeal or review the prohibition law, describing their views as “personal opinions” with no bearing on government policy.

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The senior JD(U) leader noted that all parties had supported the prohibition law when it was introduced. He added that those now criticising the policy should reflect on their stance at the time it was passed in the Assembly, advising them to think carefully before making such statements.

Emphasising the commitments made by Nitish Kumar, Chaudhary said although the government is newly formed, its vision and direction remain unchanged. He stressed that fulfilling promises made to the people of Bihar is the government’s top priority.

Responding to questions about Nitish Kumar stepping down as Chief Minister, Chaudhary described him as a leader and head of the party who enjoys unanimous acceptance within the organisation. “No one challenges his decisions. Stepping down as Chief Minister and moving to the Rajya Sabha was his personal choice. Although some party members disagreed, they did not alter his decision. After his election to the Rajya Sabha, a new government was formed,” he said.

On why the JD(U) allowed the BJP to assume the Chief Minister’s post despite having several senior leaders, Chaudhary said that NDA governments had run for two decades with BJP’s support while Nitish Kumar served as Chief Minister. “In the 2020 Assembly elections, JD(U) won only 43 seats, yet it retained the Chief Minister’s post. Considering BJP’s long-standing support, it was decided to give them an opportunity. Nitish Kumar voluntarily stepped down and extended his support to Samrat Chaudhary,” he added.

Chaudhary also expressed confidence in Nishant Kumar’s potential to play a larger role in the party in the future. He said party workers are enthusiastic about Nishant’s proposed tour, describing it as a positive initiative.