Modi angers Nitish,dinner for BJP off

In a development that could have a bearing on BJP-JD(U) ties in a crucial election year,Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today took strong objection to full-page advertisements published in Patna newspapers carrying a photograph....

In a development that could have a bearing on BJP-JD(U) ties in a crucial election year,Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today took strong objection to full-page advertisements published in Patna newspapers carrying a photograph of him with Gujarat Chief Minister at a poll rally last year,and said he would take all possible legal action in this connection.

Kumar cancelled a dinner he was hosting tonight at his official residence for visiting BJP leaders,including Modi.

Later,Venkaiah Naidu spoke to Sharad Yadav. Modi was said to have made plans to leave Patna but was persuaded by party leaders to stay on.

Story continues below this ad

What angered Kumar was that the advertisement,part of a publicity blitzkrieg hailing Modi ahead of the BJP national executive meet,carried the photograph with a caption We welcome the Gujarat Chief Minister to Bihar.

A furious Kumar said carrying his photograph in an advertisement without his permission was unethical. He sent out a clear signal that he would not like to be seen with Modi,the face of hardline Hindutva,even in an advertisement since it could anger his Muslim votebase.

He did not shy from taking Modi head on. What has Modi got to do with Bihar? This is not Gujarat. We are in a coalition government with the BJP. We have good ties with the BJP. Why are such advertisements being published?

He said the Gujarat government claim about its Kosi relief contribution through advertisements was not in good taste and against Indian culture.

Story continues below this ad

We can return the Kosi relief amount given by Gujarat government. We are self-sufficient to take care of our own people, he said. Bihar is not that weak. We can manage on our own. Besides,it is against Indian culture to flaunt the help rendered in times of distress.

The advertisement is unethical since my photograph was carried without my consent. We will examine this,all possible legal action will be taken. It is an advertisement and my consent is needed for carrying my photograph, Kumar said.

He said he was not aware who sponsored the advertisement which carried the names of individuals who claimed to have made a living in Gujarat after leaving Bihar.

Kumars fury took the BJP by surprise. Many leaders did not want to comment or take sides.

Story continues below this ad

The BJP distanced itself from the advertisement to mollify Kumar and downplayed the cancellation of the dinner.

Party leader Shahnawaz Hussain said the BJP urged Kumar to call off the dinner because the session was running behind schedule. We are discussing crucial issues of national importance. We are really short of time. We are concerned more about the nation than the dinner, he said.

BJP chief spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad said he did not know who put out the advertisement. Some people have just expressed their gratitude to Gujarat CM. Too much should not be read into it, said Prasad.

He also failed to explain why pictures of Azamgarh girls had found place in a Gujarat government advertisement. Maybe,the ad agency got it wrong. It needs to be verified, he said.