Bihar CM Nitish Kumar supports Modi’s demonetisation drive, disappoints allies
While his allies — the Congress and Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal — have trained their guns on the government over the surprise decision to demonetise high-value currency, Kumar has backed the crackdown on black money and corruption.
Three years after Nitish Kumar quit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over Narendra Modi’s elevation as the BJP’s PM candidate, the Bihar chief minister is backing his bête noire when it’s needed.
While his allies — the Congress and Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal — have trained their guns on the government over the surprise decision to demonetise high-value currency, Kumar has backed the crackdown on black money and corruption.
“Nobody can carry away anything he hoards after death, yet people try to make money for the next seven generations. There is no pocket in the shroud for money, yet people take bribe. I don’t know why they do it and how much money they want,” Kumar said in Madhubani on Wednesday.
Kumar’s stand on the demonetisation has come as a blow to the Congress, which tried to stitch together a united Opposition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources close to Kumar ruled out a possible tie-up with the Modi-led BJP, the Bihar CM’s decision shows that he is ready to stand beside his estranged ally on certain issues.
Kumar’s backing for Modi didn’t stop at the demonetisation drive. He has also voiced his support for the government’s plan to go after benami properties — a preferred way to park black money.
“In fact, I also want a crackdown on ‘benami’ property. That should also come under scanner. Honest people like farmers, teachers and others work hard, but those dealing in black, enjoy life,” Kumar said.
He added that genuine people should get their hard-earned money exchanged without hassle.
Read | Nitish for demonetisation, wants war on benami properties in Bihar