Nitish says Lalus comments on violence 'undemocratic'

Patna, May 18 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today described RJD chief and Rail Minister Lalu Prasads comments on the Panchayat election in the state as ''unconstitutional, undemocratic and irrelevant''.

Interacting with mediapersons here, Mr Prasad wondered at the state governments wisdom of ''conducting the Panchayat election at a stage when there was large scale violence.'' Mr Kumar told newspersons that the Panchayati institutions were effective tools for establishing democratic values at the grass root level and Mr Prasads remarks were unwarranted.

He reiterated the government's commitment to holding the Panchayat election in a free and fair manner.

UNI DH SP AB RR BD2151