Nitish Kumar determined not to let Narendra Modi campaign in Bihar

NEW DELHI - Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday stood firm on his stand of not letting Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi campaign for the BJP-JDU alliance for next month’s assembly elections in the state.

Talking to reporters here, Kumar said the two parties will be fighting the election together, but have decided to come out with separate manifestos.

Earlier, Kumar had turned sore over a newspaper advertisement that showed Modi posing in great amity with Kumar after doling out aid to flood-hit Bihar

Avoiding the topic with his trademark diplomacy, Kumar asserted that it was an issue concerning the BJP, and that it needed introspection to resolve the matter.

“Our stand over the issue is clear and everyone knows it. Thus, this query about Modi is to be decided and deliberated upon by the BJP. We are solely focusing on the elections. We are clear that the earlier trend of campaign and outreach would be adopted in these polls. What arrangements were made the last time would be used this time round, too,” said Kumar.

Highlighting his impressive work record, Kumar appealed to people to give the JD(U) another chance to continue the cycle of progress in the state.

“The people of Bihar are not scared anymore. The law and order in the region has improved significantly, and people are living their lives with peace and without any fear. The other important aspect is that we have introduced good governance and developmental projects for the benefit of the masses,” he said.

“We have propelled development and justice for all. Our work is our strength, and we believe that the masses would give us one more opportunity to continue the cycle of progress,” he added.

He also cleared the air on the ongoing Babri Mosque dispute, and said that he hoped the court verdict would rest the issue for once and for all.

“We believe that the Ayodhya issue can be resolved only through mutual dialogue or by a binding court ruling. Whatever the court decides must be binding on all parties. If any group feels aggrieved due to the order, then it can move the higher court.

But there should be no controversy on the court’s decision,” said Kumar. (ANI)