No political discrimination in road construction in Bihar: Minister

Patna, Mar 18 (UNI) The Bihar government today denied that repair and construction works of some roads in the state has been deliberately ''left out'' due to political considerations.

Replying to a special question of Congress member Mahachandra Prasad Singh in the Legislative Council, Road Construction Department Minister Nand Kishore Yadav rubbished the charges of government making political discrimination while giving clearance for construction of roads in any part of the state.

Participating in the debate, RJD member Bhim Singh had alleged that the Nitish Kumar government was deliberately ignoring the repairing and construction of Hajipur-Saran road as its bad condition would help the NDA government in gaining political mileage.

He had further alleged that Mr Saran, being in the constituency of RJD president Lalu Prasad, had assumed political significance as Mr Prasad would face trouble in election due to poor condition of roads there.

During his reply, Mr Yadav clarified that Hajipur-Saran road was a NH and responsibility of its repair lied with the Centre.

Despite a clear cut norms in this regard, the state government, for the first time had released fund from its own resources to carry out the construction works of the National Highways in the state.

''During the BJP-led NDA regime, the Centre had decided to convert the Hajipur-Saran NH into four lanes,'' Mr Yadav said and urged all parties, particularly the RJD, to put pressure on the Centre for the conversion of Hajipur-Saran road into four lanes in greater interest of Bihar.

Mr Yadav emphatically maintained that the Nitish Kumar government was committed for alround development of Bihar and political consideration would not come in the way.

He also exhorted all parties to render their support in realising the cherished goal of the Nitish Kumar government.

The Council also passed the budgetary demand of Rural development, Rural Works and Panchayati Raj for next fiscal after lunch session amid walk-out by the entire Opposition.

UNI KKS PP DB1921