Nitish questions Modi's silence on reservation

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on reservation for Dalits and OBCs after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat demanded a review of the policy.

"Modi remained silent on reservation issue during his election rally in Banka (on Friday). His silence has strengthened the theory that his government will end reservation in view of RSS chief's demand to review it," Nitish Kumar said while addressing election rallies in Samastipur district.

"The RSS chief has suggested a review of reservation policy and BJP cannot ignore it. BJP-led government will change the constitution to end reservation and block the opportunity for development of the Dalits and backward classes. They will destroy the spirit of the constitution," he claimed.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah and union finance minister Arun Jaitley, during their visits to Bihar on Thursday and Wednesday, however had said their party was not against reservation and the system will continue.

The polls for 243-member Bihar assembly will take place in five phases between October 12 and November 5, with the counting slated for November 8.