JOIN USBihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday issued a veiled threat to his alliance partner- the BJP - and asked the saffron party leaders to desist from their bid to disturb communal harmony in the state.
"I extend my best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Ramnavmi. But at the same time, I would ask 'certain elements' to desist from their attempt to fan communal trouble in this peace-loving state," said Nitish, in an oblique reference to the BJP, but without naming his ally.
The JD (U) strongman was addressing a gathering on the occasion of concluding function of the Champaran Satyagraha Centenary Celebration here in the state capital.
The function coincided with Bihar Diwas celebrations too. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, who was the chief guest on the occasion, was on the dais, besides Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, when Nitish issued the terse message to the BJP leaders.
This is the second occasion this week when the chief minister, reportedly miffed with Union ministers Giriraj Singh and Ashwini Choubey and Bihar BJP chief Nityanand Rai for fanning communal tension, has expressed his displeasure publicly, albeit subtly, about his ally.
"A similar attempt to disturb communal harmony was made earlier also when Dussehra and Muharram – the two important festivals of Hindus and Muslims - were at the same time. But I am known to enforce the rule of law and establish good governance. So the attempt to disturb amity was nipped in the bud," said Nitish, even though the BJP leaders present on the occasion tried to hide their discomfiture.
Later, Naidu, while addressing the crowd, highlighted the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi and Champaran Satyagraha in the freedom struggle.
He also recalled the contributions made by first President Dr Rajendra Prasad. "The new generation should take a leaf out of Gandhi Ji, Rajendra Babu and Jaya Prakash Narayan's book," said Naidu.