Nitish Kumar takes a dig at BJP for mega show on Ambedkar anniversary

Patna, April 14: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took a swipe at BJP for hosting a mega show on the birth anniversary of dalit icon B R Ambedkar today, alleging the saffron party was "masquerading" to win the votes of the weaker section in the state Assembly polls later this year.

"For the sake of power, they (BJP) are masquerading. But these turncoats will not get any benefit in the election," Kumar told reporters while celebrating Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary at JD(U) office here.

"People who have nothing to do with the ideology of the dalit icon are observing his anniversary," he claimed. The BJP programme was held at the sprawling Gandhi Maidan in the city.

"In the lust for power they promised to distribute Rs 15 lakh to the poor from the black money that would be brought back to the country from abroad. They are now praising dalit icon B R Ambedkar to win the votes of the weaker sections," Kumar, a senior JD(U) leader, alleged.

Nitish: BJP's views are totally opposite as they believe in dividing society

Ambedkar stood for unity of the society and championed the cause of the deprived section of the society. "Whereas the BJP's views are totally opposite as they believe in dividing society and exploiting weaker sections for political gains," he further alleged.

Kumar cautioned partymen and the common man to be aware of these people who describe promises like bringing back black money as 'jumla' (popular saying).

With BJP occupying Gandhi maidan for its programme, ruling JD(U) was forced to celebrate Ambedkar's birth anniversary in the party office. Later, Kumar left for Madhepura to inaugurate several developmental projects.

PTI