Patna: As news of portfolio allocations for Bihar's new ministers came in today, there was the expected: Lalu Yadav's younger son Tejaswi, was made deputy chief minister.
And then, a few surprises. The 26-year-old first time legislator was also sworn in as the state's minister for roads.
In the last 10 years of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's rule, the improvement in the state of Bihar's roads became a key testament to his development agenda, winning heaps of praise and helping him sail to power for a third term.
Therefore, for those who remember the governments led by Lalu Yadav and wife Rabri Devi between 1990 and 2005, infamous for the poor condition of Bihar's roads - ridden with potholes with the tar sometimes totally absent - the choice was bewildering.
But the appointment was perhaps explained by Mr Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal or RJD winning 80 of the state's 243 seats, more than the 71 that partner Janata Dal (United) of Nitish Kumar got in elections. At his father's residence today, Tejaswi refused to take any questions.
Health was another sector that Nitish Kumar claimed vast improvements in. In the last 10 years, Mr Kumar's governance agenda has featured health as a major factor, with claims of big improvements at the level of rural hospitals that cater to the poor.
Mr Yadav's elder son, the 28-year-old Tej Pratap, also a first time legislator with no governance record, was made Bihar's new health minister. "He is ill," said a fuming Lalu at his house when asked about the appointments, refusing to let the media meet his elder son.
"What is wrong if they are given important portfolios? They will learn the ropes and they have won tough elections. There is nothing wrong," said Misa Bharti, the new minister's sister, earlier in the day.
And then, a few surprises. The 26-year-old first time legislator was also sworn in as the state's minister for roads.
Therefore, for those who remember the governments led by Lalu Yadav and wife Rabri Devi between 1990 and 2005, infamous for the poor condition of Bihar's roads - ridden with potholes with the tar sometimes totally absent - the choice was bewildering.
Advertisement
Mr Yadav's elder son, the 28-year-old Tej Pratap, also a first time legislator with no governance record, was made Bihar's new health minister. "He is ill," said a fuming Lalu at his house when asked about the appointments, refusing to let the media meet his elder son.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
India B vs India C Day 3 Highlights, Duleep Trophy 2024: Abhimanyu Easwaran's Ton Rescues India B vs India C Lalu Yadav, 76, Undergoes Angioplasty At Mumbai Hospital Another Chance To Nitish Kumar? What Tejashwi Yadav Told NDTV 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel 'Pager Bombs' Target Hezbollah In Lebanon. What We Know So Far - 5 Points Highlights: Arvind Kejriwal Resigns, Atishi To Be Delhi Chief Minister Kamala Harris Dials Trump After Apparent Assassination Attempt Ghislaine Maxwell's Sex-Trafficking Conviction Upheld, Appeal Planned Stage Set For Phase 1 Of J&K Elections Today, 24 Seats Up For Contest Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.