Nitish asks party leaders not to make unwarranted statements

Patna, Apr 28 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today cautioned his party leaders against making 'unwarranted' statements on the issue of 'reshuffling and expansion' of the state cabinet saying they would come under the scanner of the party High Command.

After 'Janta Durbar' at his official residence, Mr Kumar told reporters that dropping of some Ministers during Cabinet expansion was not 'unusual' and the affected leaders should accept it as part of routine exercise.

When asked about the remark made by sacked Building Construction Minister Monazir Hassan venting his ire for being dropped from the Cabinet, Mr Kumar warned the leaders to refrain from making such statements and added that he had no time to take notice of statements of these leaders.

''Our party president Sharad Yadav was keeping close vigil on statements being made by the vexed leaders through press,'' he said but refused to elaborate whether disciplinary action would be taken against them.

Talking about the political scenario in Nepal, Mr Kumar said the mandate given by the people should be welcomed by all.

Referring to the perennial flood problem in north Bihar caused by rivers originating from Nepal, he said the menace could be effectively checked by constructing high dams in that country.

''On one hand, high dams in Nepal will check the flow of excess water in rivers originating from there--the prime factor behind the recurrent flood menace in Bihar, while on the other hand it would be helpful in bringing extra revenue to the neighbouring country as the establishment of Hydro Electric Power stations would produce surplus power which could be easily bought by India,'' he added.

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