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Nitish Kumar Skips Gandhi Maidan Eid Tradition, Son's Presence Sparks Buzz

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar marked Eid al-Fitr by visiting several prominent Sufi shrines (khanqahs) in Patna, promoting a message of communal harmony and brotherhood. In a significant break from a nearly two-decade tradition, he did not attend the main Eid prayer congregation at Gandhi Maidan. His son, Nishant Kumar, attended the Gandhi Maidan event in his place, sparking widespread political curiosity and speculation. This move, alongside his shrine visits accompanied by key ministers, added a notable political dimension to the state's Eid celebrations.

Key Points: Nitish Kumar's Eid Mosque Visits, Son's Gandhi Maidan Appearance

  • CM visits Sufi shrines for Eid
  • Breaks Gandhi Maidan prayer tradition
  • Son Nishant Kumar attends main gathering
  • Move sparks political speculation
  • Emphasis on communal harmony
2 min read

Nitish Kumar offers prayers at mosques in Patna, congratulates Muslim community on Eid

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar visited Sufi shrines for Eid but broke tradition by skipping Gandhi Maidan prayers, with his son Nishant Kumar attending instead.

"his absence drew significant attention, especially as his son Nishant Kumar attended the gathering in his place - Report"

Patna, March 21

On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited several khanqahs across Patna, conveying a message of communal harmony, love, and brotherhood.

He began his visit at the Khanqah Mujibiya in Phulwari Sharif, where he met the Sajjada Nashin Syed Shah Ayatullah Qadri, sought his blessings, and extended Eid greetings.

The Chief Minister then proceeded to Khanqah-e-Munemia at Mittan Ghat in Patna City, where he met Syed Shah Shamimuddin Ahmed Munami.

Together, they offered prayers for peace, harmony, and prosperity in the state.

Continuing his visit, Kumar also paid obeisance at Khanqah Bargah-e-Ishq, where he greeted the Sajjada Nashin Syed Shah Khwaja Amir Shahid and interacted with devotees.

During the visits, the Chief Minister was also seen partaking in traditional Eid offerings such as sewai and dry fruits, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.

His visits to these prominent Sufi shrines underscored the spirit of inclusivity and social harmony, with prayers offered for the well-being and prosperity of the people of Bihar.

However, in a notable departure from a long-standing tradition, Nitish Kumar did not visit Gandhi Maidan during the Eid prayers on Saturday.

Since assuming office in 2005, he has been present at Gandhi Maidan almost every year during Eid prayers.

This time, his absence drew significant attention, especially as his son Nishant Kumar attended the gathering in his place under tight security arrangements.

Nishant Kumar's presence at the venue sparked considerable curiosity and discussion in political circles, with many interpreting it as a possible indication of a new beginning in Bihar's political landscape.

During his visits to various khanqahs, several dignitaries accompanied the Chief Minister, including Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary, JD(U) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, MLA Shyam Rajak, MLC Sanjay Kumar Singh, District Magistrate Tyagarajan S.M., and Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K. Sharma.

While the festival was marked by devotion and communal harmony, the Chief Minister's absence from Gandhi Maidan and Nishant Kumar's presence have added a significant political dimension to this year's Eid celebrations in Bihar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see leaders promoting harmony. But the absence from Gandhi Maidan is very telling. Is this a strategic political shift, or just a scheduling conflict? The son's presence raises more questions than it answers.
A
Ashwin V
Visiting the Sufi shrines (khanqahs) is a smart move. It shows respect for the spiritual heritage of Bihar's Muslim community, which is often about peace and mysticism, not politics. The personal touch with the sewai is nice.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I find the nuanced political messaging fascinating. The son's debut at the main gathering is clearly a signal. In Indian politics, every gesture, and every absence, is a calculated move.
M
Meera T
While the intent for harmony is appreciated, I hope such visits translate into concrete policies for the welfare of all communities in Bihar, especially in education and employment. Actions matter more than symbolic gestures.
K
Karthik V
Breaking a 19-year tradition is a big deal in politics. Sending his son is like a soft launch for the next generation. Bihar's political chessboard just got more interesting.

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