Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made an appearance at the Eid gathering hosted by JDU MLC Khalid Anwar on Tuesday. At the event held in the New MLC campus's R Block Park, Khalid Anwar honored Nitish with a cap and wreath. Nitish, accompanied by several ministers, warmly interacted with JDU's Muslim leaders, activists, and other religious figures.
JDU's support for the Waqf Bill in both Parliament houses upset several of its Muslim leaders, prompting their resignation. RJD now portrays Nitish Kumar's attendance at the Eid gathering as an attempt at damage control. RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari remarked, 'After backing the Waqf amendment bill, Nitish Kumar is engaging in damage control, thus attending the post-Eid gathering. Nitish's party is facing turmoil and rebellion, and this is an effort to quell it. Nitish Kumar is perceived as aligned with the RSS, and his participation will change nothing.'
JDU senior leader Ashok Choudhary responded to Mrityunjay Tiwari's comments by saying, 'It's a festive time. Nitish Kumar often participates in such events. He was busy on Eid, so this event was scheduled now. Opponents can voice their opinions, but Nitish Kumar has worked extensively for Muslims. No other leader, except Nitish Kumar, can safeguard minorities' interests while being aligned with the BJP. Only Nitish Kumar can achieve this.'
On BJP leader Prabhakar Mishra's statement regarding Kumar's Eid attendance, he said, 'Nitish Kumar treats Hindus and Muslims alike. He and his party supported the Waqf amendment bill for the benefit of marginalized Muslims. Nitish Kumar's participation shouldn't be seen as mere damage control. Neither NDA nor JDU has been harmed by the Waqf amendment, while RJD is anxious about its crumbling Muslim-Yadav alliance.'
