BJP’s claims on my V-P ambition ‘bogus’: Bihar CM
It’s absolutely bogus... What a joke. I have no such desire. Did they forget our party supported their presidential and vicepresidential candidates NITISH KUMAR, Bihar CM
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday termed “bogus” and “rubbish” the claim made by senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi that the JD(U) leader wanted to become the vice-president of India and severed ties with the NDA after it was not fulfilled.
Kumar, who took oath as Bihar chief minister for the eighth time on Wednesday, attacked former ally BJP, once again accusing it of “trying to break the Janata Dal (United)”.
“It’s absolutely bogus and rubbish... What a joke. I have no such desire. Did they forget our party supported their presidential and vice-presidential candidates?” Kumar told reporters on Thursday, referring to Sushil Modi’s claim.
“Let them talk as much about me as they can. I am not concerned about who is saying what. Moreover, he was not made anything. If he gets a place by speaking against me, I would not mind,” he added, without mentioning the former deputy chief minister’s name.
The JD(U) severed ties with the BJP-led NDA on Tuesday and joined hands with the RJD and the Congress to form a Grand Alliance, or Mahagathbandhan government.
Sushil Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Bihar chief minister wanted to become the vice president and parted ways with the BJP after his ambitions did not materialise.
On Thursday, Kumar reiterated that the “BJP was trying to break the JD(U)” and that party leaders from different states had alerted him. When asked if it was being done on behalf of a Union minister, Kumar said: “I do not know who was behind it but the one who was working on his behalf has been shown the door.”
He was apparently referring to former party leader and Union minister RCP Singh, who quit the JD( U) on August 6,
hours after reports surfaced that the party has sought an explanation from him over allegations of corruption levelled by some unidentified workers.
Kumar further said that the JD(U) unanimously decided to quit the NDA. “I did not want to be the chief minister after the previous elections. But a lot of pressure was put on me. When there were talks with [Rashtriya Janata Dal], the decision was made,” he said. “Whether I will stay or not [till 2024]...they can say what they want...”
Kumar also rejected BJP lawmaker Nitin Nabin’s allegations that the JD(U) quit NDA as he was unhappy with the probe initiated into Popular Front of India (PFI) activities. “This is all nonsense.”
Kumar said he will expand his Cabinet any day after August 15. The state cabinet is likely to have 32 ministers against the maximum limit of 36, with the RJD getting the highest share of around 15-16 ministerial berths.