Bihar CM clarifies earlier statement, says will support PM Modi if demands are met

Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday clarified his earlier statement regarding his providing support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he would only do so if New Delhi meets the demands given by the state.

"I had said that if they [the Central government] give Bihar a special status, then we will support Prime Minister Modi. Let them meet our demands first, only then will they see the difference," Manjhi told the media.

"Because I made the statement yesterday, they think that we have already given my support. We have not done so - first they have to meet our demands regarding the special status and the other topics I stressed on yesterday. How can we do anything today?" he added.

On Saturday, Manjhi had said that he will become a supporter of Prime Minister Modi if the Central government agrees to give his state special status.

"If he [Prime Minister Modi] fulfils his commitment to provide special category status to Bihar and clears our other demands like reimbursing the money spent by the state government to repair the national highway, I will become his supporter," Manjhi said.