States » EastPosted at: Sep 17 2026 7:02PM


Bihar lights up for Modi’s birthday as Opposition questions ‘Deepotsav’ amid flood crisis

Patna, Sept 17 (UNI) Bihar on Thursday launched a state-wide ‘Deepotsav’ campaign to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and 25 years in public life and governance, with the state government announcing a month-long series of programmes highlighting development initiatives and welfare schemes associated with his tenure.
The celebrations, however, drew sharp criticism from the Opposition, which described the exercise as “insensitive” and questioned the use of public money for what it called a “publicity campaign” at a time when large parts of the state are grappling with floods.
The month-long campaign will feature a series of programmes aimed at informing people about development and welfare initiatives undertaken under Modi’s leadership, including measures related to housing, electricity, food security, healthcare and sanitation.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended birthday greetings and best wishes to Modi, expressing hope that the Prime Minister would continue to serve the country for many years.
Choudhary said the government led by Modi had undertaken significant work in the areas of public welfare, economic development and national security, with the objective of making India a developed and prosperous country.
The celebrations came under strong attack from Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who questioned the timing and expenditure associated with the programme.
He claimed that more than 49 lakh people had been affected by flooding in Bihar and accused the state government of “prioritising a birthday-related publicity programme over immediate relief measures for flood victims.”
The RJD leader also criticised the government directive making the lighting of diyas mandatory at schools, government offices and public places, alleging that government machinery was being used to promote the Prime Minister.
CPI(ML) State Secretary Kunal also criticised the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme, describing it as ‘insensitive’ in the context of the floods.
Kunal questioned the decision to hold celebratory programmes while flood-hit areas were facing hardship and said the government should instead focus on immediate relief, including food, medicines, safe shelters and rehabilitation.
He said Bihar needed relief and concrete government action rather than celebrations and symbolic events during the crisis.
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Tags: #Bihar lights up for Modi’s birthday as Opposition questions ‘Deepotsav’ amid flood crisis
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