Patna, May 4: They might not have the habit of waking up early morning but thousands of Nitish Kumar’s well-wishers reached the state hanger of Patna airport at 5.30 this morning to see him off as he left for a four-day visit to Bhutan on the invitation of its Prime Minister.

Though the flight was scheduled to take off at 6.30am, but his supporters chose to be present in advance to get the blessings of Nitish.

On reaching the state hanger, he was amazed to see people standing in a file to wish him and exclaimed: “Oh, so many have come early in the morning to wish me. I never expected this. Thanks to everyone for taking this effort.”

Most of the supporters, including ministers, MLAs and MLCs, were present with bouquets or just flowers. Those who did not manage to get either, plucked from others’ bouquets to prevent feeling embarrassed in front of Nitish when he came to shake hands with them.

When Nitish asked the reason of being present early in the morning, most of them said they were present just to see him off. Around 200 women supporters were also present. Legislators touched Nitish’s feet.

Human resource development department minister P.K. Sahi reached airport in a tracksuit, out on his morning walk. Energy minister Bijendra Yadav, rural works minister Bhim Singh and food and consumer protection minister Shyam Rajak was also present holding a bouquet. All of them were standing in queue and Nitish Kumar personally met and accepted the bouquet of each and everyone.

Shyam Rajak said: “Our chief minister is going to Bhutan on his first foreign tour after assuming the second term in office. It was my duty to come here and wish him best of luck for the tour. ”

JD (U) general secretary Chhotu Singh, who reached the state hanger at 4.45am, said: “I was the first to reach here. The gate was closed then. I wanted to be the first one to wish Nitishji. I thought very few will come but I was wrong. Within half-an-hour, thousands of people reached with flowers and bouquets. Anyway, my purpose is fulfilled, Nitishji noticed my presence and he will surely appreciate this effort.”

While boarding the aircraft, Nitish waved out to his well-wishers in received similar response.

The well-wishers did not leave the premises until the aircraft took off and kept on waving at the aircraft till it went out of sight.

Nitish reached Bagdogra airport at 8am and then boarded a Druk Airways flight and reached Paro at around 10am.