Acclaimed African-American singer Mary Millben has taken on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his controversial remarks on education, women, and population control. Millben, known for her powerful voice, has urged for a change in leadership, suggesting that it is time for Nitish Kumar to resign and for a courageous woman to step up and take on the chief ministerial role.
Drawing inspiration from historical parallels, Millben referenced the biblical story of Queen Esther, emphasizing the need for individuals to recognize their pivotal roles in challenging moments. She urged the people of Bihar and India to exercise their voting power to bring about change, emphasizing that now is the opportune moment for a woman leader to emerge. Millben's call for change is rooted in her belief that the citizens have the ability to shape the course of their governance, making a powerful appeal with a respectful "Namaste" to the people of Bihar.
“Today, India faces a defining moment. Right in Bihar. Where the value of women is being challenged. And I believe there is only one answer to this challenge. After Chief Minister #NitishKumar Ji’s comments, I believe a courageous woman needs to step up and declare her candidacy to run for Chief Minister of Bihar. If I were a citizen of #India, I would move to Bihar and run for Chief Minister,” Mary Millben said in a video message on X.
“In the holy scriptures, Queen Esther was admonished by her cousin Mordecai to boldly approach her husband, the King, to help save her Jewish people. It was Mordecai who challenged Esther to see her place as Queen, her place and time in the kingdom, as a defining moment to save her Jewish people. Mordecai said to Esther, ‘who knows but that you Esther have come to the kingdom, made Queen, for such a time as this?’ I believe the time is now for Nitish Kumar to resign and for an Esther to arise in Bihar,” Millben added.
"You the people of Bihar, of India, have the power to vote in a woman, to vote in change…for such a time as this. Namaste," she added.
In contrast to her criticism of Nitish Kumar, Mary Millben showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing him as the "best leader for India." She highlighted Modi's commitment to women's rights, portraying him as a leader who stands for progress and the well-being of Indian citizens.
Explaining why she admires PM Modi, Mary Millben said: "The answer is simple. I love India... And I believe Prime Minister Modi is the best leader for India, and the progress of Indian citizens. He's the best leader for the US-India relationship and for the global economic stability of the world... The PM stands for women."
Mary Millben first captured the attention of the Indian audience during Prime Minister Modi's State visit to the US. Her memorable act of touching the prime minister's feet and singing the Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," made headlines and left a lasting impression.
The controversy surrounding Nitish Kumar's remarks, where he detailed the role of education and women in population control, led to widespread criticism from opposition parties and women's groups. Kumar later apologized for his comments, acknowledging the inappropriate nature of his words. However, Prime Minister Modi did not mince words in expressing his disappointment and condemnation of Kumar's statements. Modi, addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh, criticized Kumar for bringing disgrace to the nation and questioned the silence of leaders within the INDIA bloc in response to the controversy.
“There were women sitting in the Vidhan Sabha and that INDIA bloc leader talked in the most vulgar manner,” Modi said and and slammed Nitish for being insensitive and asked how could his government save the honour of women if they did not respect them?
Also Read | Modi Criticizes Nitish Kumar's Remarks as a Source of Shame for the Nation
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