JD(U) sets up 80 counters in rally venue for DNA collection

Patna, Aug 30: The JD(U) has set up 80 counters around Gandhi Maidan for collection of DNA samples of people coming to rally of secular alliance on Sunday as part of its "Sabdhwapsi" (take back word) campaign.

The counters mannned by JD(U) workers is providing an envelop containing a plastic pouch for collection of hair and nail sample of a willing citizen.

The envelop has the name and 7, Race Course Road address of the Prime Minister printed on it and also carries a column in which the citizens offering sample has to mention name, address and the place they belong to.

On the front, it's written "I feel proud of being a Bihari and there is no fault in my DNA. But if you (PM) have any doubt you can get it tested."

RJD President Lalu Prasad too mentioned the DNA angle in a tweet ahead of "Swambhiman rally" at Gandhi Maidan. "People of Bihar will tell BJP today that they are 'tikau' (durable) and not 'bikau' (for sale)... There is good sanskar (culture) in our DNA," Prasad tweeted.

The "Sabdhwapsi" campaign was launched by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in a bid to capitalise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's DNA barb against him.

Referring to the frequent change of political allegiance of Nitish Kumar at a rally in Muzaffarpur on July 25, Modi had said it appeared that there was "some problem with his DNA".

With Assembly elections to be held later this year, Kumar linked the barb with pride of Bihar and the party began collecting DNA samples of people from August 11.

The target is to collect 50 lakh samples. "All the DNA samples collected will be send to the Prime Minister to get them tested to know the DNA of people of Bihar," JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said.

Over 17 lakh samples have been collected before today's rally of of JD(U), RJD, Congress and Samajwadi Party, a senior JD(U) leader said. Lal Babu Rai and Ram Kumar Rai, both hailing from Dalsinghsarai in Samastipur distract, were seen giving samples of their hair and nail for DNA test at one such counter.

"We want the PM to test our DNA to ascertain the respect and integrity of citizens of Bihar," they said. Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Prasad, Nitish Kumar along with leaders of Samajwadi Party have organised the rally to galvanise their workers for the Bihar elections.

PTI