Leaders criticising him to boost ratings in BJP: Nitish

Patna, Aug 12 (Agency) Apparently unfazed by his criticism for deserting NDA to form Grand Alliance government, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday said leaders were targeting him to boost their ratings in BJP. Kumar told media persons here that allegations being levelled that formation of new government by him marked the beginning of “ Jungle Raj”, was an attempt of BJP leaders to increase their ratings in their party. He was not at all concerned about what BJP leaders were saying against him on his joining hands with RJD as he had already made it known the reasons behind his move, he added. Chief Minister said that he had given highest position to RCP Singh in JD(U), giving him vast power but he started anti party activities. Anti party stand of Singh was intolerable, he noted. “

We had supported NDA candidates in elections for President and Vice President but activities of BJP forced us to desert BJP”, Kumar said adding that his Grand Alliance government had strength of seven parties but BJP stood left alone. All constituents of Grand Alliance would work together for development of Bihar and creating an atmosphere of love, communal amity and brotherhood in the society, he stated. Chief Minister responding to a query of media persons about deaths in hooch tragedy in Saran district, said that he had always been making appeal to people not to consume liquor after Bihar was declared a dry state as liquor created lot of health complications. Those consuming liquor would naturally have to face such unfortunate consequences, he noted.