Nitish bargains for Bihar package; Congress ready for deal
Nitish bargains for Bihar package; Congress ready for deal
New Delhi: The Congress on Friday indicated its willingness to accept Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s demand to give special category status to the state for providing development grants.
Click here to watch video
/Content/Videos/2009-05-16/1505_India Votes_MINT_TV.flvd9752844-4150-11de-9d3c-000b5dabf636.flv
“Wherever there is a possibility to get support for government formation...those who want to come with us, those who believe in our policy, our doors are open for them, except BJP and Shiv Sena, which are communal parties," Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi told reporters here.
Asked whether there was a possibility of an agreement between the Congress and the JD(U) on this issue, Chaturvedi said no possibility could be denied at this moment. “All roads are open."
To a question on how it was possible when Congress was already in alliance with RJD, the main opposition party in Bihar, he said: “I have not said that this (alliance with JD-U) will certainly materialise...but nobody is untouchable except BJP and Shiv Sena."
Asked about Congress’ reported attempts to woo Naveen Patnaik’s BJD, Chaturvedi said he had no idea about that. He, at the same time, sought to remind: “We cannot consider anybody else as untouchable politically."
Also Read Support for govt which assures Bihar special status: Nitish
Reminding about Nitish Kumar’s statements that he was with those who support development of Bihar, Chaturvedi said the Congress did not oppose development of any state.
He added that Congress had not blocked development in any state.
“Congress has not differentiated with any state on the issue of development," he said.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!