16/03/2024
**Maithil Brahmins Allege Betrayal in Nitish Kumar's New Cabinet Expansion**
The recent cabinet expansion by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, which saw the inclusion of Maithil Brahmin Nitish Mishra as a minister, has sparked a storm of controversy, drawing both praise and sharp criticism from within the community.
Arvind Mishra, founder of GDP and a prominent leader of the Maithil Brahmin community, welcomed Nitish Mishra's appointment but also criticized the decision, accusing Nitish Mishra of succumbing to the whims of the ruling government.
Arvind Mishra raised issues like clear caste inclusion in the cabinet structure and handing over the ladle to the Maithil Brahmin community. He noted the absence of representation from influential communities like Bhumihars, Yadavs, and even Nitish Kumar's own caste.
He alleged that keeping in mind the reservation of Lok Sabha tickets for these communities in the upcoming elections, this mistake has been made deliberately and Nitish Mishra has been made minister for only one year till 2025 so that they do not have to give tickets for the Lok Sabha elections.
In a scathing criticism, Arvind Mishra accused the government of sidelining the interests of the Extremely Backward Classes, Dalits, and Maithil Brahmins, while strategically forming alliances with constitutionally powerful castes to achieve electoral victory.
Highlighting the upcoming Bihar Loksabha elections, Arvind Mishra speculated that Nitish Mishra's appointment is short-term, which will only serve as a gesture to garner votes.
Arvind Mishra criticized Nitish Mishra's alleged allegiance to caste-based politics, accusing him of being a compulsive leader seeking votes for Nitish Kumar's caste leader Rampreet Mandal and Lalu Prasad Yadav's alleged third son Ashok Yadav both are current BjP MP from Maithil Brahmin stronghold Jhanjharpur and Madhubani. He lamented the lack of real representation for Maithil Brahmins within the BJP and said that they are treated only as foot soldiers rather than respected constituents, and Nitish Mishra will now do the same in lieu of being a minister.
Responding to journalists' questions, Arvind Mishra did not shy away from controversy by expressing his dissatisfaction over the state JDU's agenda and the alleged coordination of Bihar BJP representatives with Lalu Prasad Yadav's diplomats. He indicated that if the complaints were not resolved soon, there was a possibility of withdrawal of support from the government, yet he would continue to support the honest image of Modi.
In a bold move to garner support, Arvind Mishra announced plans to field Maithil Brahmin candidates in key Maithil Brahmin majority constituencies including Jhanjharpur and also invited Nitish Mishra to quit the Nitish cabinet and join the GDP. Said Madhubani, Jhanjharpur was the dream project of late leaders Bhogendra Jha, Jagannath Mishra,Lalit Narayan Mishra and Chaturanan Mishra which he wants to complete. He claims that it has been neglected under the leadership of Rampreet Mandal.
Vowing to preserve the legacy of late Bhogendra Jha and Lalit Narayan Mishra, challenging the strong nexus between Bhumihars, Yadavs, and the ruling elite, Arvind Mishra himself reiterated his earlier announcement of candidature from Madhubani.
As Bihar's political landscape heats up, Arvind Mishra is emerging as a formidable force capable of uniting Maithil Brahmins, Dalits, and the EBC category against the oppressive caste politics perpetuated by the BJP and Nitish Kumar's government.
*GDP News Studio
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