Bihar govt asks DMs to attend Independence day events at Mahadalit villages

The Bihar government has identified about 400 Mahadalit villages across the state and instructed officials to make preparations for the function in the villages in their areas.

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Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faces a challenge from his predecessor Jitan Ram Manjhi, who has emerged as a leader of Mahadalits. (Source: PTI)

In an apparent bid to woo Mahadalit voters, the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar has issued a circular to all district magistrates, asking them to participate in the Independence Day celebrations at Mahadalit villages/tolas in their areas. Besides the district magistrate, SPs, SDOs, SDPOs, additional district collectors (land reforms), senior ADMs, circle officers and BDOs have been asked to take part in the function at these villages after they attend the celebrations at their respective offices. The BJP, on its part, has accused the Nitish Kumar government of “misusing government machinery for electoral benefits”.

Principal secretary of General Administration Department Amir Subhani, in a circular dated July 27, directed the district magistrates to attend the function at the identified villages and “talk about the importance of Independence Day and ways to avail welfare schemes being run by the state government”.

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The state government has identified about 400 Mahadalit villages across the state and instructed officials to make preparations for the function in the villages in their areas. They have also been asked to ensure “maximum presence of women and children” during the hoisting of the flag.

Over the past couple of years, the state government has been focusing on presence of government officials at Independence Day functions at Mahadalit villages. However, the circular assumes more importance at a time the Assembly polls are approaching. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faces a challenge from his predecessor Jitan Ram Manjhi, who has emerged as a leader of Mahadalits. Nitish himself has tried to bring the Mahadalits to his side by announcing several welfare schemes for the community during his tenure.

Reacting to the circular, senior BJP leader and leader of opposition in Assembly Nand Kishore Yadav told The Sunday Express: “The government circular amounts to blatant violation of rules in an election year. The 10-tier government officials going to Mahadalit villages and talking about welfare schemes amounts to blatant misuse of government machinery. We will bring the matter to notice of the Election Commission”.

Santosh Singh

Santosh Singh is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express since June 2008. He covers Bihar with main focus on politics, society and governance. Investigative and explanatory stories are also his forte. Singh has 25 years of experience in print journalism covering Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. ... Read More

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