BJP hits back at Nitish, asks why he is soft on Congress

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday hit back at Janata Dal United leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for being soft on Congress in the matters related to corruption, price rise and misgovernance.

BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned Nitish, "Why is Nitish silent on Congress corruption." He also asked Nitish to clarify whether the JD(U) will have an alliance with the Congress or not.

On the issue of Third Front in which JD(U) is among the 17 parties, Prasad said, "The quest for illusory Third Front continues but we maintain Third Front is history which has no relevence today."

There has been a war of words between the BJP and JD(U) ever since they broke their 17-year-old alliance when Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was elevated as the party's poll panel chief and his name was also doing rounds for the prime ministerial candidate.

While addressing JD(U) convention on Tuesday, Nitish had hit out at Modi saying a man who aspires to hold India's highest post should be patient and have some sweetness in his speeches.

He had attacked the BJP saying there is too much hype around an individual. "The man dreaming to be on the country's highest post should be sober, why this unnecessary excitement and hurry? You can create hype around an individual but it can't ensure your victory. Bihar's poor will vote for those who fight for them," he had said taking a dig at Modi.

Mocking at Modi, Nitish had asked, "Why were you sweating and drinking water while criticising me." He had hit out at Modi for speaking in a harsh tone, "Gujaratis love sweet but why is Modi's tone not sweet?"

Taking on Modi over his knowledge of history, Nitish had said. "I also have knowledge of history. I never left Jaiprakash Narayan. He said I backstabbed JP and Ram Manohar Lohia. In fact JP and Lohia had taken on these forces head on and also forced them into corner. I have never compromised on my principles and followed the path shown by JP and Lohia."

Nitish had also blamed the BJP for breaking the 17-year-old alliance with the JD(U). He had said, "Yesterday you were with me and you would appreciate and praise me. Now that we are not allies and you are finding faults with me."