Politics intensifies over the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme on PM Modi’s birthday; Opposition raises questions over assistance for flood-affected people
Patna. (SDNA) As floodwaters continue to affect several parts of Bihar, a political controversy has erupted over the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme organised on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, targeted the government over the programme and claimed that around ₹100 crore is being spent on lighting diyas. He questioned what the government’s priority should be at a time when millions of people across the state are facing the impact of floods.
Tejashwi Yadav said flood-affected people are facing shortages of basic necessities such as food and clean drinking water. He alleged that instead of giving sufficient attention to relief and rescue operations, the government machinery and schools were being involved in the diya-lighting programme.
‘Diyas Are Being Lit in Schools Instead of Focusing on Studies’
Tejashwi also questioned arrangements in schools. He said many schools require basic facilities and questioned the government’s decision to involve teachers and students in programmes such as diya lighting.
On the occasion of the Prime Minister’s birthday, the Bihar government had organised the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme at various government and public premises as part of the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’.
Flood Crisis: Millions of People Affected
The political controversy comes at a time when several parts of Bihar are facing flooding. According to available reports, around 49.74 lakh people have been affected by floods in the state. Waterlogging has disrupted normal life in several areas, while crops and houses have also suffered damage.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also visited flood-affected areas to assess the situation. Relief and rescue operations are underway, along with assessments of the damage caused by the floods.
Diyas vs Relief: A New Political Debate in Bihar
The diya-lighting programme organised on the Prime Minister’s birthday has now become a subject of political debate in Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav has questioned the expenditure and the use of government machinery. On the other hand, the government’s programme is part of the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ organised to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday.
The questions surrounding floods, relief measures and government expenditure have opened a fresh political debate in Bihar.