JD (U) slams Sushil Modi over 'returning' luxury gifts

Patna: Slamming senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushil Modi for deciding to return the `gifts` given by the Bihar Education Ministry, the Janata Dal (United) on Sunday said the former was doing this to solely gain attention by the media.

"Gifts were also being distributed during the Sushil Modi Government. If they intended to return the gifts today, they should not have accepted it earlier. Now, when they feel they can grab the attention of the media, they are doing this. They just want to be in the limelight," JD (U) leader Shyam Rajak told ANI.

"Gifts are always distributed by each department`s undertaking. This is not the first time and not only takes place in Bihar Vidhan Sabha. It happens in the Lok Sabha as well after the budget comes," he added.

The Education Department of the Bihar Government had given microwave ovens on Friday, costing Rs. 11,225 each, to the MLAs drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

Education Minister Ashok Chaudhary had defended distribution of expensive gifts to the legislators saying that its customary during budget session and went on to add that microwave ovens will enable the beneficiaries to taste quality of MDM during inspection in schools.

The gifts were accepted by legislators cutting across party lines. On behalf of the ministers and those enjoying the status of minister, their staff received the gifts.