This refers to the report "Cabinet clears Rs 12,000-cr special package for Bihar" (April 19). The central government's announcement of a special package for Bihar is more in the nature of weaning away the Janata Dal (United), or JD(U) from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to strengthen the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government than helping a state in need of financial support. Nitish Kumar's threat that his party would walk out of the NDA if Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was named its prime ministerial candidate has induced the Congress to precipitate the NDA crisis and provide political asylum to the JD(U) under the umbrella of the UPA. However, Kumar has clearly said his party will not join the Congress-led UPA even if it pulls out from the NDA. But it must be admitted that nothing deters a party if and when it reneges on a promise made or a statement issued. Kumar can't help feel proud of securing the special package for the state.
K V Seetharamaiah Hassan
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
