In the run-up to the assembly elections in Bihar, chief minister Nitish Kumar fielded a range of questions at an informal interaction with HT editors. Here are some excerpts:
On the BJP challenge
The BJP was confident of a big win until some months ago. After the firming up of the RJD-JD(U) alliance, BJP leaders have become nervous — and the desperation shows. The BJP had to exhaust its most potent political weapon by fielding Prime Minister Narendra Modi as chief campaigner.
On PM’s financial package
It is merely a re-packaging of old and routine schemes. The ultra mega power project was announced when Sushilkumar Shinde was the power minister. The proposal for a new airport at Patna has been pending for years. No budgetary provisions have been made.
Grand alliance being a casteist formation
Caste-centric politics is, in fact, being crudely pursued by the BJP. Religious slogans and symbols linking the BJP leaders to Lord Krishna and other gods are being invoked.
On failure to get NCP, SP and Left as allies
It is for the NCP to take up our offer to contest three seats as part of the alliance. As for the SP, Laluji has already said he will allocate seats to the party, if necessary. The Left parties had earlier announced they would go it alone.
On the Kejriwal connection
I share a cordial relationship with the Delhi chief minister, who has hosted a function for me in Delhi today. I have invited him to attend a government function at Patna on August 27. The JD (U) supports the Delhi chief minister on his fight for full statehood for the national capital and other issues.
On the Kejriwal connection
I share a cordial relationship with the Delhi chief minister, who has hosted a function for me in Delhi today. I have invited him to attend a government function at Patna on August 27. The JD (U) supports the Delhi chief minister on his fight for full statehood for the national capital and other issues.
On the Manjhi experiment
I have already admitted it was a historical blunder. It took Manjhi no time to hop over to the BJP.
On the NDA’s “saffronisation agenda”
The NDA government wants to rewrite the history of the country. The saffronisation agenda is all too evident, given the manner in which the government has been tinkering with educational institutions. They want to turn mythology into history.