As good wishes poured in from across the political leaders for Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who turned 56 on Thursday, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) president Chirag Paswan described him as an “inspiring” figure and his “guardian”, in what is perceived as another indirect attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar against whom he has opened a front.
Even though he has walked out of the NDA refusing to accept Nitish as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate in Bihar, Chirag has, interestingly, continued to show his allegiance to the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, he said, resided in his heart.
This has been Chirag’s strategy in Bihar poll as BJP has cautioned him against using the PM’s name for his own ends saying JDU is the party with which it would form the Government. BJP has been trying to allay JD(U)’s apprehensions that LJP is its ‘B-team’ in Bihar polls.
But Chirag again used Shah’s birthday to demonstrate his loyalty to the BJP. “Best wishes to the country’s Home Minister, guardian Amit Shah on his birthday. Sir you inspire lakhs of youth like me to do something for the country. May god always keep you healthy,” Chirag tweeted.
The 37-year-old LJP MP also spoke to Shah on the phone.
Shortly before the birthday greetings, Chirag had, in three tweets, targeted Nitish Kumar over what he alleged were “five years of scams”. He asserted that if he came to power, he would have all those responsible jailed.
Chirag’s Paswan’s strategy to underscore his continued ties with the BJP while fighting the JDU in the Bihar election has become a huge challenge for Nitish. The BJP’s multiple pronouncements that Nitish Kumar leads the NDA in Bihar have not convinced his supporters that the ruling party is not secretly backing Chirag in his mission to oust the five-time Chief Minister.
As Chirag rained accusations on Nitish, Shah had to step in to mollify the upset Chief Minister and reassure him that he remained the face of the NDA.
The LJP leader, however, has played on Nitish’s insecurities by stressing that he remains devoted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hopes to form a government in Bihar with the BJP.
The Prime Minister and several other political leaders wished Home Minister on his birthday.
The Prime Minister took to Twitter and lauded Shah for his contribution in nation development. “Birthday wishes to Shri @AmitShah Ji. Our nation is witnessing the dedication and excellence with which he is contributing towards India’s progress. His efforts to make BJP stronger are also noteworthy. May God bless him with a long and healthy life in service of India”, Modi tweeted.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said. “Happy Birthday to the Home Minister Amit Shah. You have played an important role in making the country strong and secure. May God grant you a healthy life and long life.”
BJP leader Varun Gandhi took to Twitter and wished the Home Minister on his birthday: “Shri @AmitShah Ji’s life has been one of great tyaag and tapasya towards making India prouder, stronger & more self-reliant. He is a perfect mix of tradition & modernity. May all divine blessings protect him & fill his path with happiness & peace. Happy birthday, Sir.”