Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday urged the people to be on their guard against attempts to whip up communal passion ahead of Ram Navami on Sunday.
The chief minister's concern comes close on the heels of alleged inflammatory remarks by several leaders in the state, which led to disruption of Assembly proceedings more than once this week.
"It has been nearly three decades since Bihar has witnessed any large-scale communal violence. Our government has been committed to maintaining communal harmony. Yet there are elements who are always up to some mischief. I would request you all to be on your guard," he said at the inaugural programme of the three-day Bihar Diwas celebrations.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Governor Satya Pal Mallik and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi were also present.
"To remain vigilant is very important with Ram Navami just around the corner. Last year, the Navaratri festivities had coincided with Moharram and the people of the state took part in both, while ensuring that peace was not disturbed. Please ensure the same this time," Kumar said.
Recently, the state had witnessed communal clashes in Bhagalpur, where Union Minister Ashwini Choubey's son was booked for taking out a procession without permission.
Also, Union Minister Giriraj Singh and state BJP president Nityanand Rai drew flak for alleged incendiary statements in the aftermath of the killing of a BJP worker's father, which the police said was over a land dispute.
Highlighting the achievements of his tenure, Kumar said, "A pall of gloom had engulfed Bihar when its mineral-rich part was carved out for the creation of Jharkhand."
"But the state turned the corner and scripted an incredible success story that has changed its image world over," he said.
"Our economy has expanded exponentially. The state's budget was Rs 26,300 crore in 2005 when we had assumed power. Today, it is 1.8 lakh crore. The expenditure on development has risen from Rs 6,000 crore to Rs 80,000 crore", Kumar said.
The most striking part of the state's success story is that no section of the society—dalits, OBCs, minorities and the poor among the upper castes—has been neglected or ignored, he said.
"A lot has been done for the women too by way of quotas in panchayats and urban local bodies and measures like prohibition and campaigns against dowry and child marriage", the chief minister said.