Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assured Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday that he would “never again” part ways with the BJP, referencing his previous separations as “mistakes.”

This came during an event in Patna, where both leaders announced various projects benefiting both the Centre and the State amid an impending Assembly election season.

As the political landscape in Bihar intensifies with elections just months away, Kumar’s comments reflect a renewed commitment to the ruling coalition.

Shah, who has been instrumental in the BJP’s strategy nationwide, had addressed party workers late Saturday night. He reportedly emphasized that “our victory in Bihar will resonate far and wide,” underscoring the significance of Bihar to the BJP’s broader electoral ambitions.

Shah’s visit, anticipated to conclude with a strategic discussion at Kumar’s residence involving other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, showcased his rapport with the Chief Minister.

During the event held in Patna, Kumar appeared enthusiastic, mentioning the large turnout: “This grand auditorium is filled beyond capacity.”

The gathering also highlighted the robust presence of BJP supporters, as chants of “Jai Shri Ram” filled the hall. Despite the religious undertones, Kumar maintained his commitment to his secular image, stating, “What did the previous government [RJD-Congress alliance] achieve? They secured Muslim votes but failed to prevent communal riots.”

Moreover, Kumar criticized the state of affairs prior to the JD(U)-BJP regime, asserting that Bihar lacked quality healthcare and educational facilities. He reminisced about his ascent to power in November 2005, attributing improved conditions to the JD(U)-BJP partnership.

Kumar’s political journey with the BJP has seen tumultuous shifts; he first parted ways with the party in 2014 but realigned in 2017. After another separation in 2022, he sought to unify regional parties against the BJP under the newly formed INDIA coalition. However, as the Lok Sabha elections approached last year, he made a surprising return to the NDA.

In his address, Kumar attributed his past split decisions to “some individuals within my party” and firmly declared his resolve, stating, “I made a mistake twice, but that will not happen again.” This statement aligns with his aim to solidify the JD(U)’s role within the NDA as the political stakes rise in Bihar.

The release of the film L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has ignited significant controversy due to its portrayal of the alleged 2002 Gujarat riots. Former Union minister and current Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has publicly revised his initial enthusiasm for the film, now expressing his disappointment in the type of storytelling involved.

Initially, Chandrasekhar had taken to social media to express excitement about the film, stating he was looking forward to enjoying it. However, as backlash grew—particularly from Hindutva organizations branding the film as ‘anti-Hindu’—the BJP’s Kerala unit chose to distance itself from the unfolding drama, asserting that it would allow audiences to form their own opinions post-viewing.

In a prior statement, BJP state general secretary P Sudheer emphasized that the party would not be swayed by cinematic tales, and highlighted that activists from the Sangh Parivar are entitled to share their views.

Amidst escalating tensions surrounding the film, which reportedly received orders from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for 17 cuts, Chandrasekhar shifted his stance. He conveyed his sentiments through a post on X, reflecting on his earlier intention to watch the film. He acknowledged enjoying another Mohanlal film, Lucifer, and conveyed his discontent regarding the significant amendments made to Empuraan. He expressed concern that the film’s controversial topics might disturb viewers, noting, “any film that tries to build a narrative by distorting the truth is doomed to fail.”

As a result, he concluded that he would not watch this sequel and reiterated his disappointment with this style of filmmaking.

Conversely, the Congress party has defended L2: Empuraan, calling it a pan-Indian film and criticizing the campaign against its creators. Kerala State Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkoottathil condemned the backlash, pointing out parallels to those who previously championed freedom of expression for films perceived as promoting unfounded religious narratives, such as the Kashmir Files and Kerala Story.

The landscape surrounding L2: Empuraan remains charged, showcasing the intersection of cinema, politics, and societal narratives in contemporary India.

In anticipation of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival starting on Sunday, March 30, the Uttar Pradesh Government has announced a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and imposed a ban on the sale of meat within a 500-meter radius of religious sites.

Additionally, stringent measures will be enforced on Ram Navami, which falls on April 6, including a complete prohibition on animal slaughter and meat sales.

Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, has instructed district magistrates, police commissioners, and municipal commissioners to swiftly implement the closure of slaughterhouses and enforce the meat sale restrictions near places of worship, as stated by the Uttar Pradesh Government on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The Yogi Adityanath Administration cited previous directives from 2014 and 2017, reiterating that illegal animal slaughter and meat sales near religious locations are strictly forbidden. To ensure compliance, the government has established district-level committees led by district magistrates, comprising officials from various departments, including police, the Pollution Control Board, Animal Husbandry, Transport, Labour, Health, and Food Safety Administration.

In line with the U.P. Municipal Corporation Act of 1959 and the Food Safety Acts of 2006 and 2011, the government has called for rigorous punitive measures against those who violate these regulations.

Director of Information Shishir emphasized, “There will be no meat or fish shops within 500 meters during Navratri. Shops outside this radius must adhere to their licensing terms. Open selling is prohibited, and all meat retailers will be closed on Ram Navami.”

The Chaitra Navratri festival, honoring Goddess Durga, will begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025.