NEW DELHI: In a sign of growing convergence between JDU and BJP, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has in a first complimented PM Narendra Modi for the construction of Ram Mandir and development projects at Ayodha while also highlighting Bihar government’s scheme for the development of Punaura Dham , the revered birthplace of Sitaji’s at Sitamarhi the district in Bihar.
Kumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a rail link between Ayodhya and Punaura Dham, and has specifically appealed for the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express train service to the area.
Acknowledging the recent efforts by the Centre to improve railway connectivity across the country, from which Bihar has benefited, he said: “Improved rail service between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi will greatly facilitate the devotees. I request you to kindly direct the ministry of railways to start a Vande Bharat train between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi as well.”
In his letter, Kumar congratulated the PM on the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the ongoing development projects aimed at enhancing the holy city’s infrastructure. He underscored the religious significance of Punaura Dham, likening it to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, and highlighted the Bihar government's efforts in acquiring 50 acres of land to develop and beautify the Punaura Dham temple complex.
Kumar’s congratulating PM for the construction of Ram Mandir is significant because even while in alliance with BJP he ensured that JDU kept its distance from BJP ‘s Hindutva themes: Ram Mandir, Uniform Civil Code and abrogation of Article 370. It was because of insistence from him and other “secular” allies that Hindutva themes; the “core agenda” of BJP, was kept out of NDA’s Common Minimum Programme under former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee .
The shift from “nye” to “aye” comes at a time when BJP does not have a majority of its own and can brighten the prospect of the passage of the Waqf bill in the next session of Parliament. The Joint Parliamentary Committee which is examining the bill is expected to submit its recommendations for the bill before the Parliament session.
“First of all, I congratulate you on the construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya and the development work done for the holy city of Ayodhya… It is a matter of satisfaction that the Government of India is constructing the Ram-Janaki route from Ayodhya to Sitamarhi. Once this route is completed, it will be easier for devotees to visit both Ayodhya and Punaura Dham,” Kumar stated in the letter. He urged Modi to expedite the completion of this route to facilitate smoother pilgrim movement.
Kumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a rail link between Ayodhya and Punaura Dham, and has specifically appealed for the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express train service to the area.
Acknowledging the recent efforts by the Centre to improve railway connectivity across the country, from which Bihar has benefited, he said: “Improved rail service between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi will greatly facilitate the devotees. I request you to kindly direct the ministry of railways to start a Vande Bharat train between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi as well.”
In his letter, Kumar congratulated the PM on the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the ongoing development projects aimed at enhancing the holy city’s infrastructure. He underscored the religious significance of Punaura Dham, likening it to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, and highlighted the Bihar government's efforts in acquiring 50 acres of land to develop and beautify the Punaura Dham temple complex.
Kumar’s congratulating PM for the construction of Ram Mandir is significant because even while in alliance with BJP he ensured that JDU kept its distance from BJP ‘s Hindutva themes: Ram Mandir, Uniform Civil Code and abrogation of Article 370. It was because of insistence from him and other “secular” allies that Hindutva themes; the “core agenda” of BJP, was kept out of NDA’s Common Minimum Programme under former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee .
The shift from “nye” to “aye” comes at a time when BJP does not have a majority of its own and can brighten the prospect of the passage of the Waqf bill in the next session of Parliament. The Joint Parliamentary Committee which is examining the bill is expected to submit its recommendations for the bill before the Parliament session.
“First of all, I congratulate you on the construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya and the development work done for the holy city of Ayodhya… It is a matter of satisfaction that the Government of India is constructing the Ram-Janaki route from Ayodhya to Sitamarhi. Once this route is completed, it will be easier for devotees to visit both Ayodhya and Punaura Dham,” Kumar stated in the letter. He urged Modi to expedite the completion of this route to facilitate smoother pilgrim movement.
