A day after Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had observed that the ‘castiest’ leaders had pushed Bihar to economic backwardness, his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar today asked Mr. Modi to look at his situation instead of making comments on others.
“One should think about one’s own situation”, he told reporters in reply to a question eliciting his reaction on Mr. Modi’s diatribe against the Bihar leaders.
Without taking Mr. Modi’s name, Mr. Kumar referred to two vernacular proverbs to apparently rebuke the former for casting aspersions on others when he himself faced crisis in the party and in public life.
When asked to elaborate further, the Chief Minister quipped that he was not in the habit of making comments about others and left the media persons to interpret his reaction to Mr. Modi’s comments on Bihar politicians.
“It is for you (media) to interpret my comments”, he said.
Apparently rejecting his Gujarat counterpart’s contention about backwardness and lack of economic development in Bihar, Mr. Kumar said that the State has been marching on the path of development by taking care of various adversities and problems dogging it over the years.
“Bihar has been a place of learning since ancient times”, he said in an apparent rejection of Mr. Modi’s assessment of the State.
The Gujarat Chief Minister had at the State BJP executive meeting in Rajkot yesterday attacked the Bihar politicians for their ‘castiest’ outlook and attributed it as the main reason of economic backwardness and lack of development in Bihar.
Keywords: Modi-Nitish spat, Narendra Modi Bihar remarks
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asking his Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi "to mind his (Modi's) business and not to comment on Bihar" is unfortunate, to tell the least. Such words from leaders, in the long run, can only help widen the regional divide already existing among different States which are created on linguistic basis. Words and deeds of politicians shall always be so as strengthen our hopes of 'unity in diversity'. Secondly, 'caste politics' in India is nothing new and the country lags behind on many counts on account of it. Most of our leaders blame the phenomenon in public but are very shrewd to exploit the situation by creating vote banks to their advantage. They seldom show the courage to take steps to eliminate caste differences.
Why is Nitish Kumar getting so touchy and irritated at a remark which reflects the ground reality.Is it not a fact that UP,Bihar have fallen backwards in development ladder thanks to the useless caste politics.Why is this man calling MODI names and unable to digest reality.Nitish Kumar should better read the OUTLOOK current edition which busts the bogus growth story of Bihar. Nitish Kumar arrogance can be seen from the fact that he returned the money sent by people of Gujarat.It was not Modi's pocket money.
What Nitish Kumar said is correct. Gujarat is a state which tops the worst states in caste based discrimination. Modi lovers should take some time to really study about the real Gujarat and not swallow the spoon feed by the PR engine of Modi.
Mr. Nitish kumar has failed to take Mr. Modi's comment in the right spirit. Fact remains that one of the reasons for Bihar's backwardness is it's castiest system. It is true for many states in India. We can understand Mr. Nitishkumar's reaction as he has to keep his secular image intact, keeping in mind the vote bank objective. But its high time Mr. Nitish kumar and his party give up their opposition to Mr. Narendra Modi, because Mr. Modi is the only politician in the current lot who can lead the nation and make justice with 1.2 Billon Indians.
It seems Mr.Modi likes to use only communalism and not casteism. Bihar is progressing with a GDP of double digit for the second consecutive year(this year 13%) and its ahead of Gujarat. Many people are supporting Modi's atrocities against minorities, in the name of development. But Mr.Nitish is achieving that same development without compromising on secularism. So, Its natural that Mr.Modi and his goons are trying to malign Bihar and its leaders.
Both are the strong leaders and they have to come together not separated to dethrone this most weak government after Independence -
Time to take India out of this bad situation instead of indulging in altercations.Everyone is well aware of the situation in Gujarat and Bihar, so no need to just waste time in reinstating those facts unnecessarily.
Narendra Modi called a spade a spade. Nitish Kumar is unnecessarily being touchy about it.Wonder why he took Modi's remarks personal. Bihar's society is deeply caste ridden and no one can win elections in Bihar ignoring the 'caste factor'. Period.Why,even Nitish didn't come to power on his development plank alone.Nitish goes an extra mile to distance himself from Modi just to keep his secular credentials intact.
Both leaders are candidates for the prime minister post in 2014.One thing JD (U) leaders like sharad yadav and nitish kumar should think before flexing the muscles with BJP they are doing a coalition government in Bihar and they should do business with them in the national politics they cant align with the congress and the third front which does not exist.So there is not point in yelling at BJP there is no alternative to them.No doubt Bihar is seeing the light of progress caste politics is Rampant in our system.Now everybody are thinking globally .The political party is misleading the people of the nation congress which claims to be secular could not get its candidate elected for recently concluded MLC election in Karnataka even he being minority and if they have vision for development people from all caste and creed will support.Media also twist and turns the stories see the way modi is getting attention in prime time news.
Mr. Nitish, a shrewd politician, should not misread Mr. Modi's remarks.
While acknowledging the fact that Bihar is on the rise, thanks to
Mr.Nitish's efforts, its position would have been much better had not
his predecessors played the caste divide and rule (or ruin) games just
to win/stay in power. It is important for India's overall qualitative
improvement in politics and as economic, that Mr.Nitish and Mr. Modi
should work together, at least in the days to come.
Hi my fellow country men,
I agree being from Bihar that casteism has since long been a pain in
the neck for Bihar.
But, we already know that and other chief ministers need not point
this out in the open public. Nitish Kumar is very well aware of the
situation and problems in Bihar and he has been trying more than his
best to takle these problems effectively. He has been so far
successful too as the results are speaking about the recent growth
rate in the state.
So, this is clear Politics game being played by Mr. Modi. Its nothing
wrong being said by Nitish Kumar in reminding Mr. Modi to mind his own
business.
I hope I have put my interpretations in a clear and humble way.
Thanks
Caste may be bringing down Bihar, and Gujarat might seem to shine but
the religious divide is more rampant here in Guj than any other place,
especially after the 2002 riots. Areas are clearly demarcated as Hindu
or Muslim community, with an unsaid rule that they keep to their areas.
And the brilliant CM hasn't done anything to rectify the part or make
sure the communities intermingle and the distance is reduced.
I think when Modi mentioned Caste Politics in Bihar, He was actually referring to Lalu yadav whose agenda was totally based no Caste politics. He used to openly prefer yadav and muslims for the vote bank. Nitish Kumar need not have a grudge against Modi, as every one know what Mr. Nitish Kumar is doing for Bihar and which is definitely commendable.
In India, all political leaders who champion the cause of the backward and under privileged sections of the soceity will be portrayed in negative shade as being "casteist/narrow minded/playing vote bank politics etc.". That shows the dominant upper caste prejudice against the less privileged sections of the society.
Narendra Modi seems to be becoming a meglomaniac , assuming to himself a larger than life image.
On the contrary, leaders like Nitish Kumar who are secular and liberal minded are woking quietly , taking along ALL SECTIONS of the Society - and display the true spirit of "Raj Dharma" that the former Prime Minister Mr.Vajpayee has emphasised during the Gujarat riots of 2002.
Sir, i belong to Bihar and i agree with Narendra Modi statement. But statement is not made for only Nitish Kumar. Political leader of Bihar is still more interest in castism than development. However, they are not interest to develop their cast also except money. Everyone know that Lalu had ruled 15 yrs the state on this issue.
Nitish Kumar is showing his immaturity - Modi just stated the facts, he didn't say that Nitish Kumar was casteist and was responsible for Bihar's ruin. But it is true that Up and Bihar are the front-runners ( closely follows by TN ) in caste based politics.
Instead of taking pot-shots at the country's favourite punching bag, Nitish should try and fix Bihar.
Shadow of castism has taken the whole country and specifically a few states like Bihar and U.P.into it's grip and thrown the development out.Countrymen are looking at both the C.M.s with high hopes and,therefore,these petty remarks should not become an issue for nationwide debate.The countrymen want to see them coming together, ignore the differences and take the country out of series of dense problems.Troubleshooters shouldnot cause or pose problems which few party people have been always wishing. They should look at the faces of the poor countrymen to whom they are the only hopes.
Its a great thing about bihar that because of Nitish kumar ji it has been developing so faster and becoming much better than it was earlier, ofcourse there will be so many comments and obstacles if one do for the walfare of the people but one should think that how to improve our selve, how to build it more powerful and how to decorate our country to make it attractive specially bihar where the illiteracy is on its peak level thats what Nitish kumar ji is doing I like his work, I don't comment on anybody. as a leader everyone will try to think their own state thats human psychology.
Bihar Caste politics exploited by Nitin as well as Lalu the Chief Ministers. This is truth. Bihar failed 20 years under Laloo rule. Modi told same. Nitin in all fairness have to accept the fact with grace.
Whatever Mr Narendra Modi said about Bihar that is 100% correct.Casteism is the main hurdle in the development of Bihar.even nitishjee Know about it.But what he can do? Casteism is deep rooted in the societies of Bihar.If Mr CM try to uproot it, he will face a stiff protest and might be loose his chair.Castism is so much deep in Bihar. All of us have seen recently in the case of ranbeer sena Chief Brahemshwar singh Murder and reaction of this. So only a good education and Motivated youth can change it. And if strong political will (that is almost impossible) want to do this ,then there is a possibility that Bihar may Come on right track.
Bitter truth! In fact, caste-based politics exists in every state in varying degrees. Where caste-based politics is not that prominent, community-based politics takes the position. The fact is, India remains divided on these prennial fault lines. The northern states are totally divided on caste and community lines and every scheme is exclusivist. The popular 'Briddha (old age) Pension' also discriminates on caste basis. Mr Nitish Kumar, instead of uniting the society, has further divided it by creating 'Ati Dalit' and 'Maha Dalit' categories for certain castes, obviously on vote bank considerations. He has certainly shown good development, but it has been at terrible cost. Agriculture and education, both are languishing in Bihar. It is really sad that, instead of uniting people by considering merit and economic backgroud for giving benefits, we continue giving them on caste and community lines.
As usual these Netas only know to talk. We want action - not just
MOUs and talk.
Politicians in India,unlike in advanced countries where economy is sole concern,where ours
miserably failed,usually talk on externous issues focussing on vote bank for themselves or
their progeny.The sting that perturbs Nitsh Kumar in Modi's matter of fact exposition of
Bihar state in his statement, may be seen in this context.It is great misfortune of the Indian
people that our leaders always carry out blown image,leading to hated arrogance,of
themselves for which not qualified or appreciated in democracy.Trauma of poverty and
breakdown in governance in country is, solely and irrefutably,on account of twisted
psych,untruthfulnes and split personality of our leaders.The conscious educated class,may
be microscopic,is not brave and has,as such,criminally failed otherwise resourceful state.
This is a perfect slap on Modi.
I have been hearing that Bihar has been a place of Buddha, Mahavira etc etc since my birth in Bihar..The question which arises in my mind like thousands of other Biharis is that who is/are responsible for turning a state which once upon a time was the beacon of education and development to the world, to a state which undoubtedly is the most illiterate and the most backward in India?? What Mr. Modi has said is 100% correct..I live in Bihar and there is no denial that everything in social life here is guided by the casteism.C ommon people here are more interested in your caste than your qualification.From appointment to a private job to election, everything is seen from the lenses of caste.Leaders like Lalu Yadav, Rambilas Paswan and many more have fueled this dirty thinking in the mindset of a common illiterate or lowly educated Bihari to the fullest.Until people come out of this narrow vision no good to Bihar can be done.Just ranting about the past is of no use..Look for the future.
It is my opinion that Mr Modi is correct to the extent that prevalence of entrenched "Casteism" has impeded the progress and development of Bihar. The division of people among various castes leads to production of leaders who represent the aspirations of a particular caste. Since it is impossible to have all round development if the leaders are committed to the development of their own followers , Mr Modi was correct in pointing out this fact.
Mr Modi and Mr Kumar can help each other in solving the problems of their respective states. This is the best way to go forward.
I think whatever Mr. Modi said, somehow all words are true. this vote
politics on the basis of "castiest" is all along in almost every states
of India. But now Bihar is really developing well as 13.3% previous year
growth rate, top most among all states. they are moving on and it will
take time.
I don't know why Nitish Kumar should object to Mr. Modi's observation. The politicians do play caste card to be in power in all the states. This is more rampant in Bihar and UP where the poor and illiterate people are taken for a ride. In other states due to comparative literacy rate such gimmicks works to a little extent but not as pronounced as in Bihar and UP. Mr. Narender Modi is right in his observations. The truth is nover palatable.
Our Country does not have alternate to Congress. Due to long innings of 10 years, Congress may lose next parliament elections, which will see leaders like Mauylam, Nitish, Patnaik, Jayalalitha may have upper hand to form the next government but eventually collapse due to their own contradictions, BJP has lost two elections because of antimuslims policies and 2014 will also go these leaders to see back congress. Where are the states BJP will win the elections except few minor states?
Why only Bihar. Caste is an important factor anywhere in India. In Maharashtra the CM is mostly from the Maratha community. In Kerala the Muslim League is fighting for a fifth minister. The Nair and Ezhavas are also fighting for their due right in the ministry. The party tickets are mostly given on the basis of caste,religion etc. Every political party is India is playing the caste card, The Congress is also no exception to this mischief.
Well, Narendra Modi only stated a fact after all. Whether UP/Bihar politicians like it or not, the fact that everybody knows is that caste-based identity politics (and politicians who continue to indulge in it) has been the root cause of the social and economic backwardness of those two states. In Nitish Kumar's defense, however, Bihar seems to be moving out of caste-based identity politics over the past 6-7 years.
Nitish Je, It's true that you are the forerunner of the Bihar's development but Mr Modi's remark on the economic growth was not a rebuke.of It was a view of an impeccable leader in term growth,as justified by Gujrat's development,and it should be taken as a piece of advice to propel your growth rate.
Sir with all due respect, the reality is that caste factor did affect
development in the state. Even a kid belonging to the state knows
this. There's no point contradicting the statement of Mr. Narendra
Modi. We all know that you have done a great job in improving the
state of affairs in the state and everyone respects you for that. So
its time to face the reality and move ahead.
Both Nitish Kumar ji and Narendra Modi ji are the "NEW" rising heroes of the "NEW" India; Instead of indulging into such slugfest, have collaborative approach to build greater India rather than providing
"Masala" to media. Indians have lot of respects to both of you; No one needs to preach you, Sir.
Nitish kumar is not looking at the context of Modi's remarks. No one is denying Bihar's ancient heritage and Greatness. At the same time, no one can deny that casteist culture has pulled down Bihar into economic abyss in last 4-5 decades. No one is holding Nitish as responsible for that. Not Modi also.So - it looks as if Nitish is unnecessarily harsh on Modi. Plain Politics perhaps. India's problem is that even these Opposition CMs won't come together. Every one is an ISLAND unto himself - including Modi.
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