BJP-RJD to form alliance in Bihar, alleges Nitish Kumar

Refutes that his govt has gone 'weak' after JD-U broke its 17 years old alliance with BJP

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today openly lashed out against his new political opponent, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and old rival, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). He alleged that they have joined hands in "desperation for power".

"It is quite visible now," said Kumar on the sidelines of his weekly Janata Durbar at his official residence in Patna, "BJP and RJD have joined hands. Our one step (breaking alliance with BJP) has exposed them.

They have even finalized the seat sharing arrangement for the next year's election. They can go to any extent in their desperation for power. The blast at Bodh Gaya is an occasion where there should not have been any divide. We should have faced the challenge together."

"But what is happening? People are raising slogan against me, when I went to visit the Mahabodhi temple. Who are these people? What is this? This is nothing but frustration borne out of losing power. They want to be in the power by any means possible. This shows how closely they are working together. Time will reveal all their secrets," said the Chief Minister.

He also thrashed BJP allegations that his government has gone "weak" after Janata Dal-United broke its 17 years old alliance with BJP and therefore could not avert Bodh Gaya blasts. "Their aim is to get publicity by any possible means. But that's not me, I am guided by my principles and I am ready to make any sacrifices for this."

Meanwhile, he again demanded that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) should be deployed for the protection of Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. He said, "We want CISF for the protection of temple. It is a trained paramilitary force, which specializes in this work. We are ready to bear all the necessary costs for this."

He also stated that the Bihar Police will now raise Anti Terror Squad to deal with terrorist threats in the state. However, the chief minister refused to answer questions on the motives and people behind the Sunday's blasts in Bodh Gaya, which left two foreign nationals injured.