''If Lalu ji had not trapped me, I might not have entered politics and would not have become the Chief Minister today''

Patna, April 24 (ABN) The coalition government led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar, headed by Smarat Chaudhary, secured a confidence vote in the state assembly today with a massive majority. The motion of confidence presented by Chief Minister Smarat Chaudhary was approved by the House through a voice vote.

It is worth mentioning that after the resignation of Nitish Kumar, Smarat Chaudhary took oath as the new Chief Minister of the state on April 15. Today, while showcasing his strength in the House, he proved that the government has the full support of the assembly members.

Responding to the discussion on the confidence vote, Chief Minister Smarat Chaudhary clarified that no one should be under the illusion that Nitish Kumar can be isolated from Bihar's politics. He has vast experience of 20 years as Chief Minister and 50 years of public life. Smarat Chaudhary revealed that during the 'Smardhi Yatra', Nitish Kumar would point towards him and say, "Now these people will take care of Bihar." He further stated that Mr. Kumar had relinquished the Chief Minister's post of his own volition, without any pressure. He credited his success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President Natin Naveen.

The Chief Minister, while reiterating his commitment to maintaining discipline in the state, said that his government would never compromise on three things: crime, corruption, and communalism. He also praised the welfare schemes initiated during Nitish Kumar's tenure, such as the cycle scheme for girls and prohibition, and said that the NDA government would continue the tradition of 'good governance' in Bihar.

Bihar Chief Minister Smarat Chaudhary, after securing the confidence vote in the assembly, expressed his past political realities and future aspirations in his address. He severely criticized Lalu Prasad Yadav, narrating the story of his political struggle. The Chief Minister said that Nitish Kumar had played a crucial role in making Lalu Prasad a big leader. He mentioned past events, including the incident of political vendetta in 1995 when then-Chief Minister Lalu Prasad had falsely implicated him and 22 members of his family in cases. Smarat Chaudhary stated that he had fought the legal battle from the lower court to the Supreme Court and emerged victorious. He jokingly said, "If Lalu ji had not implicated me, perhaps I would not have entered politics and would not have become the Chief Minister today."

Smarat Chaudhary praised Nitish Kumar's development work and said that he would take this mission further. He announced administrative reforms, stating that he would personally monitor the performance of blocks, police stations, and other government offices. Land reforms would be further improved to address public issues.

The Chief Minister announced significant goals for the youth and economy of Bihar, stating that the government is committed to providing employment and jobs to one crore youth by 2030. Investment plans worth Rs 1 lakh 36 thousand crores have been earmarked in the state, with a target of Rs 5 lakh crores in the next five years.

Regarding significant changes in the education sector, he said that from July, the work of establishing at least one new high school in each of the 208 blocks of the state would begin. The government is creating model schools where the children of ministers and high officials can also study with pride.

In his address, the Chief Minister presented a roadmap for Bihar's future, stating that the river, which was once called 'Bihar's sorrow', is now irrigating 22 lakh hectares of land. The airports in Purnia and Darbhanga have become operational, while new airports are being planned in Forbesganj and Saharsa.

Eleven new cities will be built in the state, named after symbols of ancient greatness, such as Patliputra near Patna, Munger, Vikramshila near Bhagalpur, Sitapur near Sitamarhi, and Mathura city in the Mathura region. Smarat Chaudhary said that those who insult women will be "found and brought out even from Patal". The families of those who die in road accidents will be given Rs 4 lakh insurance and Rs 4 lakh from the government (a total of Rs 8 lakh).

Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticized the government, saying, "If the government is stable, why has it been formed for the fifth time in five years? The public had elected Nitish, but the alliance made a 'selected person' the Chief Minister." Tejashwi Yadav further stated that now Lalu ji would not be accused of nepotism because the new Chief Minister's father, mother, and brother are all in politics. He claimed that Smarat Chaudhary had received his political education from the 'Lalu school'.

Responding to Tejashwi Yadav's remarks, Smarat Chaudhary said that those who cannot respect their own sister, how can they respect others? He clarified that if the opposition makes personal attacks, they will be given a befitting reply.

Earlier, Assembly Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar welcomed all members in his inaugural address in the House. He said that today's session is a symbol of the grandeur and responsibility of democratic traditions, and all members have gathered to complete an important constitutional process - "Chief Minister Smarat Chaudhary's motion of confidence in the House". Dr. Kumar stated that the Legislative Assembly is not just a platform for the majority but also a center of ideas, dignity, and public trust.

The Speaker said that today's day reminds us that the foundation of power is the trust of the people, and this trust is expressed through this House. This process not only strengthens the government's legal status but also keeps the spirit of democracy alive.

Bihar Assembly Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar said that difference of opinion is the strength of democracy, but dignity is its identity. He expected all members to participate in the discussion with complete courtesy. Purposeful and dignified debate has been the tradition of this House.

Mr. Kumar expressed confidence that this parliamentary process would further strengthen transparency, purity, and loyalty to the Constitution, and would consolidate democratic values.