Nitish demands apology from Goa minister

“A person owing allegiance to a political party must refrain from making such defamatory and jingoistic statements. It is highly irresponsible on Naik’s part to dub us beggars,” the CM said. He said whatever Biharis had achieved was because of their talent, hardwork and unflinching commitment to their home state.

Trains, CM said, were not only a mode of transport but also a way to establish cultural ties with other states.

“Though the minister’s unwarranted remark has not lowered our respect for the state or its people, it merits to be denounced and an apology from Naik would be in place. Biharis are not beggars, but have earned respect and status and done our state proud through sheer merit and hardwork,” Kumar said. He also demanded that the Congress, Naik’s party, also clarify the situation.

On Bihar Urban Development Minister Bhola Singh taking exception to Patna High Court calling the state capital an “urban slum”, Kumar said: “The Government does not subscribe to Singh’s statement. It might be his own opinion.”

Kumar said the High Court might be right in its observation as the Government had a lot more to do to make Patna a cleaner city. He also asked his ministers to refrain from making statements regarding courts.