Madhubani (Bihar)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday condemned the Pahalgam attack, emphasising that the entire country stands united in the fight against terrorism.

Speaking at a government programme to mark the National Panchayati Raj Day in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kumar also reaffirmed his political alignment, saying, "I made a mistake in the past, but I will stay with the NDA forever."

"The attack at Pahalgam left the entire nation devastated. It was a heinous act. We all condemn it. I express my condolences to the bereaved families. We are with you," and the entire country is united in the fight against terrorism".

Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.

Stating that he had "made mistakes" in the past by joining hands with the Opposition, the Bihar CM said, "I will stay with NDA forever. I went 'idhar udhar aur Gadbadi Hua' in the past. But now, I am with the NDA and will remain with the alliance forever".

"We formed the government in 2005. The previous state government had done nothing for panchayats. It was in a poor state. When we came to power, we amended the Bihar Panchayat Raj Act in 2006, which established the gram panchayat at the village level, panchayat samiti at the block level, and zila parishad at the district level," the CM said.

"We also introduced 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayats and municipalities. The previous government took no steps to improve the condition of women in the state. So far, our government has constructed 1,639 panchayat bhavans across Bihar for local bodies, and construction of the remaining bhavans will be completed before the upcoming elections later this year," he added.

The JD(U) supremo further said, "We have been working for the overall development of the state for the last 20 years — in sectors like education, transport, roads, electricity and water. When we assumed office in 2005, the state budget was just Rs 38,000 crore. For the financial year 2025-26, the budget has increased to Rs 3.18 lakh crore."

He said this year alone, the state government approved 430 new schemes worth Rs 50,000 crore for various districts.

Kumar added that the establishment of the Makhana Board in Bihar, opening of Greenfield Airports, and expansion of IIT Patna are also progressing with the help of the Centre.

The CM said he requested the PM to inaugurate the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, scheduled to be held in Patna from May 4.

"It is a matter of great happiness that this major event is being hosted in Bihar," he said.

Bihar is set to host the seventh edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 from May 4 to 15.

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The games will be organised in various cities including Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Begusarai and Bhagalpur.

The CM and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently unveiled the mascot and logo of Khelo India Youth Games 2025.