Preparations for the second phase begin, opposition’s attack continues

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday launched the Pragati Yatra from Valmikinagar in West Champaran, which will continue till December 28. Meanwhile, the second phase of the yatra has also been announced. The Cabinet Department has released its detailed outline.

second phase program

The second phase of Pragati Yatra will start from 4 January 2025 and will continue till 13 January 2025. During this period the Chief Minister will visit Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Samastipur districts. He will review the progress of development works in these districts and gift new schemes to the public.

Detailed itinerary:

1. 4 January: Gopalganj
2. 5th and 6th January: No travel
3. 7 January: Siwan
4. 8 January: Saran
5. 11 January: Darbhanga
6. 12 January: Madhubani
7. 13 January: Samastipur

After the completion of this phase, there is a possibility of announcement of the third phase.

target of opposition

Opposition parties have launched a scathing attack on Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra. RJD and Congress have termed it as “wasteful expenditure”. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav described it as a “goodbye journey” rather than progress. He said,
“This is a waste of public money. This visit is just a show and its purpose is to create an atmosphere for the upcoming elections.”

RJD alleges that the total budget of the Yatra is Rs 225 crore, which the government is wasting on publicity instead of spending it on the development of the people.

Lalu Yadav’s taunt

RJD supremo Lalu Yadav took a dig at Nitish Kumar and said,
“Earlier it was named Mahila Samvad Yatra. Now it has been named Pragati Yatra. But this is nothing but an attempt to throw dust in the eyes of the public.”

Lalu Yadav said sarcastically,
“Nitish Kumar is traveling to save his chair. This is his eye-popping journey.”

NDA’s counterattack

NDA leaders hit back after Lalu Yadav’s remarks on Nitish Kumar’s visit. BJP and other allies made serious allegations against Lalu Yadav and said that RJD leaders want to hinder development. He said that Pragati Yatra is an effort to connect with the public and monitor development works.

purpose of travel

The objective of Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra is:

1. Review of development works: Evaluation of ongoing projects by the government.
2. Communicating with the public: Listening to their problems and suggestions.
3. Inauguration of new projects: To promote development works.

Nitish Kumar says that Pragati Yatra is to take Bihar forward and the opposition’s opposition is baseless.

Is the journey a part of election preparations?

Amidst the election atmosphere, many questions are being raised regarding this visit. The opposition is calling it part of the election campaign, while the government claims that it is proof of their commitment towards development work.

In the coming days, the second and third phase of Pragati Yatra may further heat up this debate. Public reaction and decisions taken during the yatra can play an important role in deciding the future of Nitish Kumar in the upcoming Bihar elections.