Darbhanga (Bihar) [India]: Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar has stirred a heated debate by alleging that the ongoing construction of big roads in Bihar is not merely about infrastructure development but is linked to the exploitation of the state’s water resources.
Key Allegations by Kanhaiya Kumar:
🔹 Industrialists Eyeing Bihar’s Water: He claimed that Bihar’s abundant water resources are being targeted by industrialists, and the new roads are merely a way to facilitate their extraction.
🔹 Water to Become More Valuable Than Petrol: Kumar warned that in the future, water will be more expensive than fuel, making it a sought-after resource.
🔹 Infrastructure as a Means for Resource Exploitation: He suggested that major projects like the Amas-Darbhanga Expressway, a 189-km long highway under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, are being developed not just for connectivity but to exploit Bihar’s natural wealth.
Bharatmala Pariyojana & Bihar’s Role
The Bharatmala Pariyojana, led by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is a nationwide highway development program aimed at improving connectivity. Bihar is a key beneficiary, with multiple expressway and highway projects in progress.
🔸 Total roads planned under Bharatmala: 83,677 km.
🔸 Additional highways & roads planned: 34,800 km.
🔸 Existing highways to be built: 48,877 km.
The Sagarmala project, focused on port-led development, works in synergy with Bharatmala to enhance India’s coastal and inland connectivity.
Petition Filed Against CM Nitish Kumar for Alleged National Anthem Disrespect
Meanwhile, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is facing a legal petition over allegations of disrespecting the National Anthem at an event in Patna’s Patliputra Stadium on March 20.
🔹 Petition Filed By: Vikas Paswan in a Bihar court.
🔹 Allegation: Nitish Kumar remained seated during the National Anthem and discouraged others from standing.
🔹 Advocate’s Statement:
- “The CM’s behavior was condemnable and punishable.”
- “From childhood, we are taught to respect the anthem by standing still. Disrespecting it is an insult to the nation.”
The court has issued a notice to the Bihar CM, and further legal proceedings are awaited.
Conclusion
Bihar remains at the center of political and developmental debates, with concerns over resource exploitation, infrastructure development, and governance taking center stage. While Kanhaiya Kumar’s claims raise questions about the state’s water security, the petition against Nitish Kumar adds to the ongoing political tensions in the state.