PATNA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for defecting from the Mahagathbandhan, saying that the JD(U) leader exited the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc due to pressure from the BJP over the recent caste-based survey.
“The time has come for an X-ray (caste-based census) of India. Through this, we can find out the population of different castes in the country. This will help us know how many people are poor and belong to which category. This will also help us understand their economic condition. This is what I want to convey. This is the meaning of social justice”, Rahul Gandhi said on the second day of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Bihar.
“I will tell you why Mr Nitish Kumar couldn't handle the pressure. When we (Congress and RJD) started insisting on the caste-based survey in Bihar, he started getting pressure from the other side. The BJP doesn’t want people to know the exact population of OBCs, Dalits, and tribals. They want to divert your attention from issues like social justice,” he added.
“Nitish Kumar got stuck in the middle and the BJP gave him a safe passage to sneak out of the alliance. It is the responsibility of our alliance to fight for social justice. We don't need Nitish Kumar anymore. I assure you that our alliance will handle everything”, Gandhi added
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered Bihar through Kishanganj on Monday. The Congress organised a rally in Purnea on Tuesday which was attended by Mahagathbandhan partner CPI (ML) and Left parties. RJD leaders Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav couldn’t participate as they were being interrogated by the ED.
Gandhi also used the occasion to take a dig at Kumar's frequent change of alliance by cracking a joke, saying: “After his swearing-in ceremony he forgot his shawl in the Governor's house. When he went back, the Governor was surprised and asked him ‘Why have you returned so soon... you took an oath a few minutes ago.”
