PATNA, Nov. 14 -- The Bihar government on Friday announced that the newly constructed six-lane bridge over the Ganga, connecting Kacchi Dargah and Bidupur, will be called 'Nitish Setu', named after former CM Nitish Kumar, who had laid its foundation stone in August, 2015. The Rs.5,000 crore bridge, a portion of which was opened last year by Kumar ahead of the state polls, will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on November 21, one day after the state's new NDA government completes its first year. In an X post on his official handle, CM Samrat Choudhary announced that the bridge would be named as "Nitish Setu" and PM Modi would dedicate the bridge to the nation on November 21. BJP national president Nitin Nabin welcomed the government's decision, calling it a recognition of Nitish Kumar's contribution to Bihar's development. In a post on X, Nabin said the bridge's naming reflected Nitish Kumar's leadership and his role in transforming the state's infrastructure and accelerating development. He also credited the former CM with steering Bihar away from 'jungle raj' towards good governance. Nabin said the bridge, an important link in the Amas-Darbhanga Expressway, would strengthen connectivity from Magadh through Mithila to the Nepal border. BJP state spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel said it would help future generations recognise the contributions of Kumar, popularly known as "Vikas Purush", to Bihar's infrastructure. He credited the former CM with playing a pivotal role in envisioning the bridge and ensuring its construction through the state's internal resources. State BJP president Sanjay Sarougi too welcomed the decision. Spanning approximately 9.76 km, the bridge connects Patna to North Bihar districts, including Vaishali, significantly reducing travel time for commuters. In a press statement, the CM said it was a major milestone in the state's development. The decision to christen the bridge after Kumar, who is credited with transforming Bihar's infrastructure during his 20-yr tenure before stepping down in April 2026, is viewed as a strategic bid to placate JD(U). This comes amid rife speculation regarding a rift between the BJP and JD(U) following the recently concluded biennial polls for eight seats from teachers' and graduates' constituencies. The decision to name the bridge after Kumar has been met with jubilation within the JD(U). The party views the move as a fitting recognition of the former CM's leadership and his pivotal role in steering Bihar toward development. JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan said, "Nitish Kumar is a towering figure, and naming this bridge is a fitting recognition of his contribution. Our ties with the BJP remain strong, and this decision will only further fortify our alliance," Meanwhile, RJD state spokesperson Ejaj Ahmad said the bridge should have been christened as ' Lalu -Nitish' setu as both leaders had kicked off the project in 2016 as partners in the then Mahagatbandhan government....