Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav trade barbs in Aurangabad

AURANGABAD: Chief minister (CM) Nitish Kumar and leader of opposition in state assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav targeted each other while campaigning for the candidates of their respective alliances at different places in Aurangabad parliamentary constituency on Monday.
While Nitish targeted the RJD for its 15-year “misrule” in the state, Tejashwi launched a scathing attack on PM Narendra Modi and the CM, accusing them of endangering democracy and harassing his family.
Making a veiled attack on RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi, who ruled the state for 15 years, Nitish, who campaigned for BJP’s Sushil Singh at Kutumba, said: “The husband-wife rule is over and so is the lantern era in the state. Bihar has seen an electricity revolution under my government. Lantern is no more needed in the state. After taking over the reins of state, I ensured establishment of rule of law. No section of society feels neglected today as the government has worked for uplift of men, women, backwards, dalits, Mahadalits, minority communities and upper castes.”
Nitish, who is also the JD(U) national vice-president, thanked the Centre for extending support for all-round development in the state. He also reminded people of the excavation work done by state archaeology directorate at Kutumba. “I am here to seek return for my 13 years of work,” the CM said.
Tejashwi, who sought support for HAM(S) candidate Upendra Prasad by addressing a poll rally at Gandhi Maidan in Aurangabad town, urged people to save the democracy, constitution and the country by throwing out BJP-led NDA government at the Centre from power. “Democracy is under serious threat in the country. Only you can save this,” Tejashwi told the gathering.
Tejashwi said since only RJD had the power to crush the “undemocratic” intentions of the ruling NDA, the PM and the CM framed his family members, including father Lalu, in false cases. “I was not even allowed to meet my father at the Ranchi hospital on Saturday. However, such acts of the ruling dispensation will not deter the RJD from making the country free of communal forces. RJD is ready to make any sacrifice for protection of the Constitution,” Tejashwi added.
He said Nitish returned to the NDA by insulting the mandate of the people as he was scared of Srijan scam.
Former CM and HAM (S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi accused the Centre of attempting to destroy reservation system in the country.