Patna, July 18 (IANS) Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Jitan Ram Manjhi has unveiled statues of his parents and ancestors at his ancestral residence in Mahkar village, under the Atri Assembly constituency in Bihar’s Gaya district.
The ceremony turned emotional as the veteran leader on Friday broke down while paying tribute to his family members.
The event was attended by his son and Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Suman, senior leaders of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), MLAs, party workers, and a large number of local residents and social activists.
Addressing the gathering after unveiling the statues, Manjhi said that parents are the greatest form of God in a person’s life.
“No one has seen God, but parents are the living form of God before us,” he added.
Recalling his childhood, the Union Minister said his parents worked tirelessly through hard manual labour to educate him and provide him with opportunities in life.
He credited every milestone in his political journey — from becoming the Chief Minister of Bihar to serving as a Union Minister — to the sacrifices, dedication, and blessings of his parents and ancestors.
Manjhi also remembered the support of his younger brother, saying he stood firmly beside him during the early years of his political career when he often faced criticism and ridicule.
He said the statues had been installed to preserve the memory of his parents, ancestors, and younger brother so that future generations could draw inspiration from their values, sacrifices, and commitment to family and society.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Manjhi also commented on the political situation in Bihar.
He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would win the upcoming Bankipur Assembly by-election.
He said the NDA government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, remains committed to Bihar’s overall development.
Reacting to the resignation of senior Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Mrityunjay Tiwari, Manjhi described him as an honest and dedicated politician and wished him success in his future political journey.
The Union Minister also spoke about the recurring drought situation in South Bihar, describing it as a serious natural challenge.
He said the Union government is working on a long-term plan to divert water from the Son river to the Falgu river to provide a permanent solution to water scarcity.
According to Manjhi, the proposed project includes the construction of a barrage near Gaya along with an extensive canal network, which would help mitigate drought conditions across the region.
Making another major announcement, Union Minister Manjhi said the state government plans to develop a Marine Drive in Gaya, inspired by the riverfront road constructed along the Ganga in Patna.
He said the project would improve urban infrastructure, boost tourism, and contribute to the city’s long-term development.
–IANS
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