Nitish fears Lalu, no match to 'world class leader' PM Modi: Tomar

Stating that the craze of a 'world class leader' Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visible all over the country, Union Mines and Steel Minister Narendra Singh Tomar took a swipe at Nitish Kumar, saying the Bihar Chief Minister is switching to national politics as he fears Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav.

"Prime Minister Modi is a world leader. Many countries are making their policies after taking his advice. Modi ji has made his impact across the world with hard work, better policies," Tomar said in an exclusive interview to ETV News head Jagdeesh Chandra.

"World leaders are desperate to talk to Prime Minister Modi. When these world leaders are preparing any policy, they consult him on those policies," he added.

The Union Minister also said Nitish will fail in his desperate attempt to switch to national politics.

Earlier, former union minister and senior RJD Lok Sabha MP Mohammad Taslimuddin launched a tirade against the Bihar Chief Minister over the deteriorating law and order in the state, saying that he is not even fit to be a 'mukhiya' and, therefore, should forget about becoming the country's Prime Minister.

The RJD, however, yesterday issued a showcause notice to the Araria MP for questioning Nitish's leadership and qualities and praising Prime Minister Modi, asking him to explain his comments in seven days or face action.

In an attempt to create a clean image in Bihar, Nitish Kumar-led government banned liquor last month, making it the fourth dry state in the country after Gujarat, Kerala and Nagaland.

The Bihar Chief Minister had earlier said that hotels and bars would not serve alcohol anymore and no license will be given, while adding that Army canteens will continue to sell alcohol.

However, what has come as embarrassing for Nitish is that the leaders in his own party have been breaking the law. Janata Dal (United) MLC Manorama Devi was earlier this month booked for keeping alcohol in her house.