Patna: Negating the Congress` claim of
"improper and ineffective" use of central funds by the state
government, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that
Centre was yet to decide on the demand for special
rehabilitation package for the Kosi flood victims.
"No decision has been taken yet by Centre on the state`s
demand for special assistance for rehabilitation of the flood
victims," Kumar told an election rally yesterday at Simri
ahead of the September 15 Assembly bypolls. He also addressed
rallies in Bakhtiarpur, Begusarai and Araria.
Kosi river wreaked havoc in north Bihar districts when it
changed course after bursting its embankment at Kusaha in
Nepal last year.
"We are managing from our own resources to rehabilitate
the flood-hit people. Centre is still maintaining silence over
the state`s demand for rehabilitation and reconstruction
package," he said.
Challenging congress leaders, the chief minister asked
the centre to specify the financial aid it has given to the
flood victims in the state.
"Whether assistance comes from Centre or not, state
government will continue to rehabilitate the people of the
Kosi belt," Kumar said.
Ridiculing the congress leaders for their criticism of
"improper and ineffective" use of central funds, Kumar said,
"Congress has lost its right to seek votes in Bihar".
Congress leaders had supported the demand for a `special
state category` to Bihar before the Lok Sabha polls, but took
a `u-turn` after forming government at the Centre, he claimed.
Meanwhile, state congress chief Anil Sharma said that the
chief minister was criticising the party as he was worried to
see the "re-emergence of Congress" in Bihar.
"Centre has compensated the state adequately at the hour
of natural disaster. Allegations against Congress are baseless
and politically-motivated," Sharma claimed.
RJD president Lalu Prasad and his LJP counterpart
Ramvilas Paswan termed Kumar as a "flop chief minister".
Addressing election meetings at Sherghati and Bodh Gaya,
Prasad and Paswan said the state government has lost its clout
in New Delhi.
Prasad attacked Centre and state government for their
alleged failure to "arrest the sky-rocketing prices of
essential commodities".
Bureau Report
