Modi's remarks will not win votes for BJP: Nitish

Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday assailed Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi for his 'puppy' and 'burqa' (veil) remarks, saying such unrestrained language rarely translated into votes. Anil Kumar reports. 'Burqa of secularism' is better than 'naked communalism': Modi

Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday assailed Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi for his 'puppy' and 'burqa' (veil) remarks, saying such unrestrained language rarely translated into votes.

At the most, it would only pollute the environment in the country and lower its image in the eyes of international community, he said.

"Derogatory remarks will not earn votes for the BJP in the ensuing elections. Moreover, the use of offensive language is not the copyright of a particular person or a party. Imagine what will happen to the environment of peace and harmony in the country if everybody starts speaking in the same language," Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of his weekly janata darbar here.

Modi had accused the Congress of hiding behind 'burqa (veil) of secularism' to hide its failures. He also said one felt sorry even if a 'puppy' came under one's vehicle, what to talk of the human lives lost in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Kumar said the JD-U's decision in the month of June to snap its 17-year-old alliance with BJP, over elevation of Modi as BJP campaign committee chief, was getting vindicated with each passing day.

"The events that have unfolded over the last two-three days (Modi's remarks) have proved that our apprehensions was well founded. The cat is finally out of the bag," the Bihar chief minister told reporters.

He favoured the use of restrained language in politics.

"We should respect the feelings and traditions of all communities," he said, adding "I have never used such language in my political career. It does not help."

Kumar said he firmly stood by the credo of secularism - mentioned in the Constitution and sworn by all persons occupying public position.

"We have taken a conscious decision to walk on the tightrope, abandoning the leisurely walk we had (when the alliance with the BJP was intact), for upholding the secular fabric of the country," he stated.

"We have faith in our principles and in the people. The next general election will prove the BJP wrong," he said.

To a question regarding lawyer-politician Ram Jethmalani's comment he would work for unity between Modi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Kumar said he had been speaking about their 'liaison' for long.

"Now Jethmalani, who is the lawyer for RJD chief, has provided the seal of confirmation to this hidden fact," the chief minister added.