PM Modi’s visit follows Bihar JDU MP Devesh Thakur’s controversial remarks about the Yadav and Muslim communities, which have sparked a political uproar.
PM Modi In Bihar: Inauguration of Nalanda University’s New Campus
A day after his visit to Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar on Wednesday. During his visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University at Rajgir, Bihar. Several eminent individuals, including the Heads of Missions from 17 countries, will be present at the inauguration ceremony.
Joint Collaboration with East Asia Summit Countries
According to a statement released by the PMO, the university is conceived as a joint collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by several eminent people, including the Heads of Missions from 17 countries. The campus features two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, providing a total seating capacity of around 1,900. It also has two auditoriums, each with a capacity of 300 seats. The statement mentioned that the campus includes a student hostel that can accommodate around 550 students. Additionally, it offers various other facilities such as an International Centre, an Amphitheatre that can hold up to 2,000 individuals, a Faculty Club, and a Sports Complex, among others.
Historical Significance of Nalanda University
The university has a deep historical connection. The original Nalanda University, established around 1,600 years ago, is considered to be among the first residential universities in the world. In 2016, the ruins of Nalanda were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Political Controversy Erupts Ahead of PM Modi’s Bihar Visit
PM Modi’s visit follows a political uproar caused by Bihar JDU MP Devesh Thakur’s remarks about the Yadav and Muslim communities in his constituency, Sitamarhi. The JDU is a partner of the BJP in the NDA alliance.
Thakur, who recently won the Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat, expressed his disappointment over not receiving votes from Muslims and Yadavs, groups traditionally aligned with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD. A viral video captured Thakur stating that issues concerning Yadavs and Muslims would now take a backseat, although he assured respectful treatment to individuals from these communities if approached personally.
“I have made it clear that Yadavs and Muslims must not expect me to be of any help to them,” Thakur stated, recounting a conversation with a Muslim visitor who, he claimed, regretted not supporting him due to his party’s BJP affiliation.
