Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left for Rajgir to recuperate from some form of ‘illness’ hours before Congress’s presidential nominee Meira Kumar was to arrive in Patna for a three-day visit.
Speculation were rife for the last two days that Nitish might avoid a meeting with Meira Kumar as he has openly endorsed NDA’s nominee Ramnath Kovind in the race for Raisina Hills.
Going by itinerary of Meria Kumar, who is arriving in Patna on Thursday evening, Chief Minister’s latest move has made it clear that he would not be able to meet her.
After arrival at 5pm, Meira Kumar is scheduled to meet elected representatives of her party Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) which has extended support to her.
Meira Kumar will leave for her native place in Chandwa on Friday where she will participate in an event organized in remembrance of her father Babu Jagjivan Ram, former deputy prime minister and prominent Dalit leader. She will return to Patna on Saturday and address a press conference before leaving the state.
Nitish Kumar’s decision to back Kovind rattled his alliance with Congress and RJD in the state which, many says, may not last long. Though Lalu and Nitish have spoken in conciliatory tones after initial outbursts at each other, but latter’s continuous attack on Congress has jeopardized efforts of opposition unity before 2019 general elections.
In a calculated move Nitish has refrained to say anything about Meira Kumar as she was projected by Lalu Yadav and Congress as Bihar Ki Beti, and his party Janata Dal (United) has attacked her directly.
Party spokesman Neeraj Kumar said, “She claims to be Biahr Ki Beti but chose to go to Gujarat first. She should have come here (Bihar).”
On the possibility of a Meira-Nitish meeting, he referred to the protocol. “If she wants to meet Nitish, she should take prior appointment,” Neeraj Kumar said.
While RJD has refrained from commenting on Nitish’s reluctance to meet Meira Kumar, Congress took a jibe at the CM. Slamming JD(U) comments, Congress spokesman Dileep Chaudhary said, “She does not require a certificate from anyone to be called Bihar Ki Beti. It is a matter of fact.”
Referring to reported illness of Nitish Kumar, he laughed saying, “If you are unwell, more people will come to see you.”
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