Nitish Kumar: Knew from the beginning that Mahagathbandhan won't last
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar claimed that he knew from the beginning that the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) with Lalu Yadav's RJD and Congress won't last for more than a year and a half. He made this revelation on the sidelines of the weekly Lok Samvad programme. However, his statement evoked a sharp reaction from Lalu's son, who called him "paltu chacha." Here's more about it.
"Didn't ask RJD to announce me as CM"
The Mahagathbandhan collapsed in July'17. Nitish resigned after corruption charges dogged deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav. He declared he continued the alliance for 20 months, despite uncertainties. Further, he said he didn't ask RJD to make him CM, which took the decision depending on poll prospects. He slammed RJD for accusing him of betraying people's mandate, saying they didn't get mandate to indulge in corruption.
Tejaswi reacts sharply to Nitish's statements
Tejaswi said these remarks signalled that Nitish wanted to quit the alliance, from the beginning. He tweeted, "The respected 67-year-old should be ashamed that he made a 28-year-old an excuse for his shenanigans. Uncle, you could've parted ways like a man." Former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said Kumar was feeling guilty for his U-turn and is now justifying his actions.
"Neither PM-Modi nor I had any role in Lalu's case"
Nitish also rubbished RJD's allegations that their chief Lalu was "framed" in the fodder scam cases by the NDA at centre and state. He said, "It is an over-20-year-old case lodged by the CBI, which has been probed following a Patna High Court order." He also took potshots at RJD vice-president Shivanand Tiwary, earlier part of JD(U), for being one of the case's petitioners.
"Babri Masjid issue should be solved out of court"
The Bihar CM also pitched for an out-of-court settlement for the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute. He said it should be done through "bilateral dialogue and compromise." However, if that fails, he contended the only option is court's order. The SC is presently hearing the case.
Nitish defended PM Modi and RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat's statements
Concerning Modi's remark that Nehru was responsible for India's partition, Nitish played it safe. He said great leaders' contribution can't be forgotten. He also dismissed the controversy about Modi saying that "person earning Rs. 200/day selling pakodas is employment" as "trivial." Regarding RSS supremo Bhagwat's comparison of Army-RSS's war preparedness, he said, "If an organization of citizens is ready to fight, what's the dispute?"
Meanwhile, has Nitish become BJP's junior ally in Bihar?
Meanwhile, for the upcoming by-elections to one LS seat and two Assembly seats, JD(U) won't be contesting any seats. Nitish claimed this was JD(U) state unit's decision. So, is Nitish feeling helpless in face of bullying by his otherwise "junior" partner BJP in the state?
