BJP stands unmasked after end of its game plan in Bihar: Nitish Kumar

Patna, Mar 11: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today slammed BJP saying the united secular forces in the state had "unmasked" its game plan of creating a situation for imposing President's Rule by propping up Jitan Ram Manjhi against him.

"Today they stand unmasked after their game plan has been foiled by a strong unity among secular forces of JD(U), RJD, Congress and CPI," Kumar said while answering nearly four-hour debate on his confidence motion in state Assembly.

Kumar, who was sworn-in as Chief Minister of Bihar for the fourth time on February 22 last, passed floor test comfortably. While a total of 140 votes were cast in favour of the confidence motion none was against it. BJP with 87 members had staged a walk out in the House before the motion was put to vote.

The trust vote was first approved by voice vote and latter on insistence of the treasury bench by lobby division. Kumar said Delhi election had heralded the "downhill electoral journey" of BJP which would gain momentum from Bihar where poll was due later this year.

Kumar attacked BJP for propping up outgoing Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi against him and tore into saffron party claim on welfare of mahadalits.

"If you are sincerely in favour of mahadalit than why don't you change your slogan from' Jai Sri Ram' to 'Jai Jitan Ram'," he said mockingly.

Kumar also defended his joining hands with RJD of Lalu Prasad and instead questioned BJP tie up with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Are you feeling happy today when terrorists are being freed by your partner PDP?" Kumar taunted BJP members.

He alleged that by giving a go bye to its stand on Article 370, "BJP caused ideological death of Jan Sangh founder Shyama Prasad Mukherjee who had given the slogan one flag one constitution."

PTI