It is a blessing PM spends some time in India: Nitish Kumar

Patna, July 9: It is a blessing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "spends some time in the country also", Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said on Wednesday.

"What can be said of the Prime Minister? He goes to foreign countries. It's a blessing that he spends some time in the country also," Kumar told reporters on the sidelines of a function marking the installation of a statue of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar here.

Kumar criticised Modi over his Bihar visit later this month, where he is expected to kick-start BJP's campaign for the coming Assembly elections.

"He is remembering Bihar after 14-15 months of coming to power. It is to be seen what kind of package the Prime Minister announces for the state when he comes here or just does some packaging," Kumar said.

The Chief Minister pointed out that he and his officials have already submitted all papers regarding the needs and demands of the state and Modi's visit would reveal whether he accepts the suggestions for the welfare of the people or just did "packaging of schemes" that were already going on in various departments.

Kumar said people have made Modi the "Malik-Mukhtar" (ruler) and his wishes would prevail till he was the Prime Minister, but the people of Bihar would not be misled again. The Chief Minister attacked the BJP over its claims of transparency and uprightness and accused the party of not fulfilling the promises it made to the people.

Kumar attacked the BJP over its claims of transparency and uprightness

"The BJP claimed there was no scam during the first year of its governance at the Centre, but now new scams are coming to light almost everyday. Scam doesn't just mean swindling money. It also means not governing as per the law of the land," he said.

Kumar also raked up the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and former IPL governor Lalit Modi controversy and said those ruling the country should abide by the law.

"The External Affairs Minister of the country helps a fugitive and claims it was done for the sake of humanity. This cannot be an excuse. This is a very serious matter. What is the method of governance? Will you help anybody and everybody who is close to you," he questioned.

PTI