The External Affairs Ministry has suggested to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to defer his visit to Nepal and undertake it at a "more opportune" time.
Kumar himself avoided comment on the issue.
"This smacks of politics of BJP even in relief work being carried out for earthquake victims," JD(U) General Secretary K C Tyagi said.
"We'll raise the issue in Parliament and seek a reply from External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj as reason for suggesting Nitish Kumar not to go to Janakpur in Nepal to express solidarity with earthquake victims," Tyagi said.
Bihar has been the hub of relief work carried by the Centre as well state government for earthquake victims in the Himalayan country.
Many Union ministers visited Bihar in this connection and the state government joined hands with them to lessen the plight of earthquake victims, Tyagi said.
Even Nitish Kumar has appreciated Centre's relief initiative for earthquake victims. Kumar wanted to go to Janakpur to express solidarity with people there majority of whom have origin in Bihar, he said.
State JD(U) spokesman Sanjay Singh attacked the Centre and said this reflected "inferior quality of politics" of the BJP.
The step to ask the CM not to visit Nepal appeared driven by "fear" that Kumar would gain all publicity which the BJP did not want, Singh said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
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
