I am not in the race to be the next PM: Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday stated that he is not in the race for being the next Prime Minister. However, he doused the questions about the fast or the prospects of his Gujarat counterpart, Narendra Modi, being the next prime ministerial candidate of NDA.

"I have said this again and again. I am not in the race (to be the next prime minister). I neither have the will nor any expectations to become the next Prime Ministerial candidate. When somebody says anything about this, I become concerned. I just want you to kindly forgive me. I am happy to serve the people of Bihar," said Kumar, while talking to reporters at his residence. He added, "I want to devote myself to the progress of Bihar. For me, it is my ultimate show of dedication for the country."

However, he doused the questions regarding the 3 day fast of Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister. Answering one of the questions regarding this, he said, "It is not compulsory for me to react on the actions of any person or leader. Any CM or leader is free to do, whatever he likes to do in his state. You cannot expect reactions from everybody. I do not have any comments of this matter." "You have to understand one thing, Janta Dal (U) and BJP are allies in Bihar. We do not have any alliance with BJP in Gujarat," said the Bihar Chief Minister.

On the questions regarding Modi being the next prime ministerial candidate, he replied, "Well, this has not been decided yet, has it? So, whenever BJP will choose any leader to be its PM candidate, it will consult with its allies.

We will give our views then only. Right now, I do not have anything to say on this issue." However, towards the end, he added, "All of you know my views about this, so why are you still asking?"