BJP asking support for Feb 28 agitation an afterthought:Nitish

Image
Press Trust of India Patna
Last Updated : Feb 22 2014 | 8:06 PM IST
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today termed as 'after thought' the BJP's decision to support his call 'Bihar bandh' in return of his support to their 'rail roko' agitation to protest against the Centre's discriminatory approach on special category status to the state.
"BJP's call (for rail roko on February 28) is an after thought. After I made an appeal to all parties and the people to observe a bandh on March two to protest against the UPA government's discriminatory approach by denying special category status to Bihar while announcing it for Seemandhra overnight, they (BJP) gave a call for agitation," Kumar told reporters here.
"Their's is a party programme and they are free to do that. But, my appeal for the March two bandh is for the people and all parties," he said.
Kumar also attacked the Centre saying "the manner in which the Prime Minister announced a special package and special category status for Seemandhra it's clear that whenever and whatever they wish they can do."
He questioned what stopped the Centre from giving special category status and a package to Bihar "when Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram in his budget speech in 2013, the economic survey and Raghuram Rajan committee had recommended it".
Earlier, senior BJP leader Sushil Modi said "the issue is the same. So if the CM and his party JD(U) support BJP's 'rail roko' on February 28, the party will also join his March two 'Bihar bandh' to protest against the Centre's discriminatory approach on special category status.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 22 2014 | 8:06 PM IST

Next Story