Lok Sabha elections: In JDU supremo Nitish Kumar speech, whiff of call for special category state | India News

NEW DELHI: JD(U) supremo and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday assured unconditional support to the Narendra Modi-led NDA govt but also asked for redressal of Bihar’s concerns.
“Hum log pure taur par aapke saath rahenge (we will always be fully with you),” Kumar said, an assertion that was seen with interest and restrained mirth because of his history of U-turns.

“We will be with you and do whatever work you want to get done,” said Kumar, who after concluding his address proceeded to touch Modi’s feet but was stopped by the latter.
However, the display of solidarity and affection did not come in the way of Kumar reminding Modi of issues related to Bihar. Although made in an apparently casual manner, the mention of “Bihar ka kaam” was seen as a reference to the his old demand for special category status to the state.
Kumar, who along with BJP performed well in the Lok Sabha elections, said Modi should ensure that the gains made by the opposition were wiped out next time.
“Agli baar jab aap aaiye toh kuch log jo idhar udhar jeet gaya hai, agli baar sab haarega. Humko poora bharosa hai (they will lose all the seats whatever they won this time as you now come again. I am fully confident),” Kumar said, emphasising that the opposition’s limited success was due to false allegations levelled by them.
Without taking names, he said, “In logo ne kuch kaam kiya hai? Desh ki koi sewa nahi ki, iss baar phir se jo mauka mila iske baad koi gunjaish nehi rahega (have they done any work? They have not done any service to the nation. Now with this opportunity to you, there will not be any scope for them to return).”
“You (Modi) are going to take oath Sunday, but I would have preferred it to be today itself. But whenever you wish, it is good. My request was that your oath ceremony should happen as soon as possible,” Kumar said on a lighter note that saw Modi and other NDA leaders chuckling.
Support of JD(U), which won 12 out of the 16 Lok Sabh seats it contested in Bihar, is crucial for BJP which is 32 short of the halfway mark of 272.