“Much Was Achieved During My Tenure, Later It Got Shelved”: Jitan Ram Manjhi Speaks in Gaya

Gaya, Bihar: Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has vowed to address the decades-old drought issues in South Bihar by bringing water from the Son River to the Niranjana River. Speaking at a private event in Bodh Gaya, the former Chief Minister passionately stated that he would leave no stone unturned—even approaching the Prime Minister personally—to ensure the development of Gaya.

A Vision for Drought-Free South Bihar
Manjhi, Union Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), outlined an ambitious plan to transform the Magadh region’s fortunes. “If water from the Son River is channeled into the Falgu and Niranjana rivers, it will change the destiny of the region,” he said. He reaffirmed his commitment to the project and emphasized that he would personally appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite its implementation.

Reviving a ₹100 Crore Project
Recalling his tenure as Bihar’s Chief Minister, Manjhi shared that he had sanctioned ₹100 crore for this project. At the time, officials and ministers had conducted site inspections, but after his tenure ended, the plan was shelved. The proposed scheme involves constructing a dam in the Bitho-Sharif area and using canals to irrigate regions including Belaganj, Makhdoompur, Jehanabad, Atri, Lakhisarai, and Mokama. Once implemented, it is expected to restore greenery and improve the fertility of agricultural land.

Gaya to Get Its Own ‘Marine Drive’
Manjhi also reiterated his plan to develop a ‘Marine Drive’ in Gaya, similar to the one in Patna. He stressed that Gaya’s development is a top priority and that he would soon discuss the project with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Minister aims to turn Gaya into an international tourism and development hub.

Industrial Growth and Infrastructure Boost
Bihar’s Rural Works Minister Dr. Ashok Chaudhary, present at the event, highlighted the state’s rapid development and rising investment opportunities. He mentioned the Gaya Industrial Park, which is expected to generate thousands of new jobs, and praised the newly upgraded Patna-Gaya route, now reducing travel time to just 90 minutes.

Political Jabs at the Opposition
Touching upon the speculation around the ‘Deputy CM’ post, Dr. Chaudhary remarked that the decision will be made when the Chief Minister and leadership deem it appropriate. Taking a dig at the RJD, he said, “Those whose own houses have many flaws, and whose histories are under question, continue to criticize others. The public sees development, and our government focuses only on work.”

Manjhi’s statements in Gaya have generated fresh hope for South Bihar’s politics and agricultural sector. If the Son-Niranjana link project comes to fruition, it will not only resolve the irrigation crisis but also significantly strengthen the economic prospects of the entire Magadh region.