BJP strike rate in Bihar better than JD(U): Rudy

Varanasi, Dec 13: Former Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy today claimed the BJP had a better poll 'strike rate' than its ruling coalition partner JD (U) in Bihar.

''We (BJP) are not junior or seniors, but equal partners in the Nitish Kumar government, which is working as per the blueprint drawn by the JD(U)-BJP combine for Bihar's development,'' Mr Rudy told newspersons here.

''During the last Bihar assembly election, BJP won 55 of the 103 seats it had contested, a better strike rate than its coalition partner JD(U). Had the party been given more seats to contest its strike rate could have improved further,'' Mr Rudy said.

''The party is an equal partner in Bihar government with key portfolios like finance, health, urban development and PWD under its belt, which speaks of its equal status in the Nitish government.'' Mr Rudy, the former MP from Chhapra (Bihar), who lost last Lok Sabha election from the same seat to Railways Minister Lalu Prasad said Nitish government was working well on all fronts, be it law and order or comprehensive development of UP.

''We have targeted an investment of Rs 26,000 crore in Bihar to spur growth, of which Rs 12,000 crore will be earmarked for setting up sugarmills. Already a prominent industrialist from east Uttar Pradesh has shelled out Rs 200 crore to set up a unit in Chhapra,'' the national in-charge of BJP's trade and commerce cell informed.

UNI