Updated on Saturday, June 19, 2010, 11:41 IST
Zeenews Bureau
Patna: The ugly war between Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar is still not over, with the latter on Saturday returning the Gujarat government's aid to Bihar during the Kosi floods of 2008.
Modi’s government had donated Rs 5 crore to the Nitish government after the devastating Kosi floods.
The move came in the wake of the controversy which erupted after the Gujarat government, in an advertisement, claimed it had donated liberally to Bihar after the Kosi floods.
The publication of Kumar’s photograph with that of Narendra Modi in another advertisement published in Bihar dailies had added fuel to the fire.
Speaking to a television channel, Bihar Disaster management Minister Devesh Thakur said, “We felt… the whole issue was in compliance with our secular image so we returned the money.”
Further, clarifying his government’s stand, Thakur said, “We feel minorities should feel safe and secure in the state. Modi has an image of being anti-secular, so we don’t want this to affect our party.”
When asked about the BJP-JD(U) alliance, the minister said his party doesn’t have any problem with continuing its relationship with the national party.
The Nitish-Modi spat had come out in open when the Bihar CM had termed as "uncivilised" Gujarat government's claim through newspaper advertisements that it donated liberally to Bihar after the 2008 Kosi floods.
Kumar also took strong exception to the use of his photograph with that of Narendra Modi in another advertisement published in local dailies and said he would take legal action against those responsible for it.
"The Gujarat government's claim (on flood relief) is uncivilised and against Indian culture. Nobody claims of bestowing favours on those who face tragedy caused by natural calamities," Kumar, who heads the JD(U)-BJP coalition government in Bihar, had told reporters.
"I have no knowledge about the agency advertising my photograph along with that of Modi as published in newspapers today. Nor was my office consulted... I will explore and take all possible legal action against those responsible for this unethical and illegal act," the chief minister had said.
Kumar had, however, clarified that such developments would not impact the alliance between the two parties.
His comments came at a time when the two parties are preparing for the Assembly Elections in the state due later this year. Kumar has kept Modi at an arm's length apparently to woo Muslim voters.
He had specifically asked the BJP not to use Modi, who had received flak for the 2002 Gujarat riots, in its campaign in the state during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
A section of BJP leadership felt the advertisements were brought out by those opposed to the JD(U)-BJP alliance.
What a shame - just to ensure Muslim votes. The Hindus of Bihar (if they can get to consider themselves that) should teach Nitish a lesson at the polls.
http://www.zeenews.com/news635093.html
Zeenews Bureau
Patna: The ugly war between Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar is still not over, with the latter on Saturday returning the Gujarat government's aid to Bihar during the Kosi floods of 2008.
Modi’s government had donated Rs 5 crore to the Nitish government after the devastating Kosi floods.
The move came in the wake of the controversy which erupted after the Gujarat government, in an advertisement, claimed it had donated liberally to Bihar after the Kosi floods.
The publication of Kumar’s photograph with that of Narendra Modi in another advertisement published in Bihar dailies had added fuel to the fire.
Speaking to a television channel, Bihar Disaster management Minister Devesh Thakur said, “We felt… the whole issue was in compliance with our secular image so we returned the money.”
Further, clarifying his government’s stand, Thakur said, “We feel minorities should feel safe and secure in the state. Modi has an image of being anti-secular, so we don’t want this to affect our party.”
When asked about the BJP-JD(U) alliance, the minister said his party doesn’t have any problem with continuing its relationship with the national party.
The Nitish-Modi spat had come out in open when the Bihar CM had termed as "uncivilised" Gujarat government's claim through newspaper advertisements that it donated liberally to Bihar after the 2008 Kosi floods.
Kumar also took strong exception to the use of his photograph with that of Narendra Modi in another advertisement published in local dailies and said he would take legal action against those responsible for it.
"The Gujarat government's claim (on flood relief) is uncivilised and against Indian culture. Nobody claims of bestowing favours on those who face tragedy caused by natural calamities," Kumar, who heads the JD(U)-BJP coalition government in Bihar, had told reporters.
"I have no knowledge about the agency advertising my photograph along with that of Modi as published in newspapers today. Nor was my office consulted... I will explore and take all possible legal action against those responsible for this unethical and illegal act," the chief minister had said.
Kumar had, however, clarified that such developments would not impact the alliance between the two parties.
His comments came at a time when the two parties are preparing for the Assembly Elections in the state due later this year. Kumar has kept Modi at an arm's length apparently to woo Muslim voters.
He had specifically asked the BJP not to use Modi, who had received flak for the 2002 Gujarat riots, in its campaign in the state during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
A section of BJP leadership felt the advertisements were brought out by those opposed to the JD(U)-BJP alliance.
What a shame - just to ensure Muslim votes. The Hindus of Bihar (if they can get to consider themselves that) should teach Nitish a lesson at the polls.
http://www.zeenews.com/news635093.html
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