Mon Dec 23 13:12:20 UTC 2024: ## Bihar Chief Minister Launches Development Yatra Amidst Political Sparring

**Patna, Bihar (December 23, 2024)** – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the first phase of his “Pragati Yatra” (Progress Journey) on Monday, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for several development projects in West Champaran district. The yatra, initially named “Mahila Samvad Yatra” (Dialogue with Women Journey), was renamed following criticism from the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

The five-day initial leg of the yatra will cover six districts, showcasing the state’s development over the past 20 years of Kumar’s governance. The CM will hold review meetings with officials and is accompanied by Minister of Water Resources Vijay Kumar Choudhary and a large security detail. The second phase is scheduled to begin on January 4th.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition, criticized the yatra, alleging it was a wasteful expenditure of ₹225 crore and intended to intimidate district officials. He further accused the Chief Minister of being “mentally disturbed and unstable” due to the name change. Yadav also launched his party’s “Maa-Bahin Maan Yojana” (Mother-Sister Respect Scheme), offering monthly stipends, seemingly in response to Kumar’s initial yatra plans. The political sparring underscores the escalating tensions ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.

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