RJD backs Nitish over threatening protestors on salary hike

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Thursday backed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after he threatened protestors at yesterday's rally, saying that the latter must have reacted to people, who were using the protestors for their own purpose.

"There were not only people who were raising their demands but there were also people who were using the rally as a facade for their own purpose. I think that could have made Nitish react in that manner," said RJD leader Manoj Jha.

"Nothing beyond that should be read in this episode," he added.

He also said that Kumar knew how much to stretch in terms of offering any kind of compensation to the people.

On Wednesday, Kumar threatened protestors demanding a hike in salary, saying that "he just had to sign a proposal to pull them down to poverty.".

"I want to let you know, I have a proposal to dissolve your panel, the moment I sign it, all of you will become roadside dwellers," Nitish told protestors.

"Shut up, why are you screaming without reason? How can you think that your demands will be fulfilled with this protest?" he added.

People at the Samastipur rally were taken aback at such behaviour by their chief minister.