PM Modi's ads wouldn't have reached across Bihar if there was no electricity, says Nitish

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'electricity' jibe, saying the latter's advertisements would not have reached the people of the state had there been no electricity in the villages.

Speaking at an election rally in Samastipur, Kumar reasserted his commitment to give electricity to all villages across the state.

"Had there not been electricity supply, how would Modi's ad reach the people on TV, said Nitish at a rally here.

"I never said that I will not go to seek votes if was not able to ensure power supply. It is my aim to bring power to all villages. What is new in what he is saying? Bihar is developing and there is social development in our state," he added.

He claimed that the Janata Dal (United) had removed Jitan Ram Manjhi as chief minister because he had joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Had I not made Manjhi CM, had people known about him? He did not become CM by the support of the people, the party had made him the CM and they removed him. He was removed from the post as he had joined hands with BJP. The NDA does not have a leader nor a policy," he said.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier asked Nitish why he is campaigning for elections when he had promised that he will not ask for votes if he does not fulfill his promise of electrifying all villages of the state.

"He (Nitish Kumar) had said during previous elections that he will not come to ask for votes if all the villages do not get electricity. Did all the villages get power? Then you must ask him why he is asking for votes again this time," the Prime Minister had said at a rally in Bihar.