Bihar CM compares himself to Sher Shah Suri

Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Sunday compared his tenure to that of Sher Shah Suri, the 16th century founder of the Suri dynasty who is known for innovative work and initiating path-breaking reforms.

"A year's time is not a short time for me to work and prove myself to provide a memorable tenure as chief minister," Manjhi said at a function here, referring to his rule till the next state assembly polls due in 2015.

Manjhi said Sher Shah Suri, who defeated the Mughals, got a short tenure to rule the country but he made development and governance his agenda.

"Sher Shah is still respected and remembered by all of us for his development work," he said.

The 68-year-old Mahadalit leader was sworn-in in May as the new chief minister following Nitish Kumar's resignation after the Janata Dal-United's debacle in the Lok Sabha polls.

A few years ago, Nitish Kumar had said he found his inspiration in Sher Shah Suri.

"Sher Shah Suri is my idol. He is my inspiration," Nitish Kumar then said.

Sher Shah Suri (1472-1545) is also known as Sher Khan or the "Lion King". Although his reign was shortlived (from 1539 to 1545), he left a deep imprint on the minds of the people - and history - by carrying out infrastructure projects like building long stretches of roads, bridges and wayside inns.