Patna: LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Saturday
termed the increased growth rate in Bihar as "jugglery" of
figures and asked the Nitish Kumar government to clarify the
position about the rise in poverty level in the state.
"The talk of increased growth rate is mere jugglery of
figures. The Nitish Kumar government should clarify the
reasons for the rise in poverty in Bihar," Paswan told
reporters here.
He said there was increase in poverty as the number of
people below poverty line had increased to 54 per cent during 2009-10 from 53.5 per cent during 2004-05.
Referring to the statement of the Press Council of India
Chairman Markandey Katju, Paswan alleged that the government was promoting its image by putting pressure on media.
Turning to the centenary celebration of the state, he
said "while the government is engaged in celebrations,
patients are dying at Patna Medical Collage Hospital because
of the strike launched by junior doctors."
Accusing the government of encouraging loot of fund for
the development of the poor, Paswan said the state government was ignoring the opposition's demand for CBI probe into alleged misappropriation of fund.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, March 24, 2012, 22:58