Bihar CM Nitish denies he wants to make up with BJP, vows to defeat it
The JD(U) leader spoke in the wake of speculation caused by his remark in East Champaran that he had “personal friendship” with a BJP leader.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday (October 21) vehemently denied that he was trying to make up with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and vowed to defeat the party in the Lok Sabha elections.
The JD(U) leader spoke in the wake of speculation caused by his remark in East Champaran that he had “personal friendship” with a BJP leader.
“I felt anguished when I read the reports about my speech at the convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University,” he said, pulling up the media.
"I had expressed my disgust later in the day (at the convocation speech of AIIMS, Patna). I feel like speaking to you people for the last time," he told reporters.
Asked if he was angry with journalists, Nitish Kumar replied: “That is not the case. As I have always said, the media has been captured (by the ruling BJP at the Centre). I no longer see independent coverage that may not serve the interests of the power that be."
He mocked the suggestion of his former deputy Sushil Kumar Modi that Nitish Kumar was trying to “scare and confuse” the Congress and RJD by speaking of “personal friendship” with BJP leaders.
Unity with RJD
Turning towards his current deputy Tejashwi Yadav, the chief minister said Lalu Prasad and Sushil Modi became president and general secretary respectively of Patna University Students Union (in the early 1970s).
“I was then an engineering student and canvassed in their favour which helped them garner 450 out of 500 votes from my college.
“I was really sad when Sushil Modi was not made the deputy chief minister again (after the 2020 assembly polls). So, he is remaining content with saying things that help him remain in the media spotlight.
“I wish him the best of luck for his endeavours,” he said.
Holding Tejashwi Yadav’s hand, Nitish Kumar, who had dumped the BJP last year, vowed to defeat the saffron party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“We are working together for the progress of Bihar,” he said.
Asked about the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, he replied: “Janta maalik hai (People’s will is supreme).”
(With agency inputs)
