Nitish takes a dig at Modi, says PM found time to visit Bihar after 14 months

Patna: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicking off the Bharatiya Janata Party's Bihar election campaign on Saturday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took a dig at him saying that Modi has found time to visit the state.

Nitish tweeted, "We're grateful that after 14 months Modiji finds time to visit Bihar. As we get ready to hear more promises what about his old ones? I am raising seven critical issues – two specific to Bihar and five that in my view people across India want to hear from the Prime Minister."

In the mega rally, Modi is likely to announce a special economic package for Bihar and share his vision for the state.

All Central Ministers from Bihar are likely to be present on the dais along with members of the National Democratic Alliance, including Union Ministers Ramvilas Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.

On the demand for special status for Bihar, Nitish said, "You promised special status for Bihar. 14 months and people are still waiting. With 14th Finance Commission report and withdrawal of BRGF, Bihar to lose Rs 50,000 crore in five years. Is this your cooperative federalism?"

Taking potshots at Modi's promise to bring back black money in 100 days, Nitish asked, "People are awaiting to get their Rs 15-20 lakh from the black money you promised to bring back from abroad. Could we hear something on this?"

Reminding Modi of his party's Lok Sabha poll promises, Nitish accused him of being pro-corporate. He said, "In your tenure some industrialists are being benefitted but people want to know when will their wait for 'ache din' end?"

Upping the ante against the Land Acquisition Bill, Nitish targeted the Prime Minister for being anti-poor, anti-farmer and tweeted, "First U-turn on minimum support price, then your apathy towards farmers' distress, and finally your new land bill. Is this what you promised to farmers?"

The multi-phase elections in the crucial state is likely to be held between late October and early November.