Lalu takes pot-shot on Nitish for wishing him lifelong R'minister

Patna, Feb 27 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today took a pot-shot at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for his ''wishes'' to Mr Prasad to continue with the Railway portfolio for whole life, saying it was ''illegal'' as well as an attempt of Mr Kumar to keep him away from Bihar.

Mr Prasad told reporters here that by extending such wishes to him, Mr Kumar was trying to make light of the achievements of the Railways, which had made ''turnaround'' during his (Mr Prasad) tenure.

'' By extending such wishes, Mr Kumar wants me to keep away from Bihar for ever, '' Mr Prasad said and added that he would not spare him for his failure to fulfil the wishes of the people of Bihar.

'' It is ironical that Mr Kumar had virtually given his reaction on Railway Budget ten days back which indicated the level of his seriousness on the issue, '' Mr Prasad sarcastically remarked.

He said attempts had been made to safeguard the interests of all sections of the people across the country and fares had been reduced for all categories of passengers.

'' Altogether 45 railway projects worth Rs 1240 crore have been sanctioned for Bihar and it was the responsibility of the Nitish Kumar Government to allot land for these projectes, '' Mr Prasad stated.

'' During my tenure in Railway Ministry, justice has been done to West Bengal, ''he said, adding that he was ready to consider if Left leaders had reservation on the issue.

'' The Railways has not given dividend to its employees during the NDA regime at the Centre but I have ensured the payment of dividends to them during my tenure '' Mr Prasad said, adding that it was possible due to turn around in the Railways following his hard work.

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