Shinde’s remarks irresponsible, says Nitish

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday described Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s remarks on Hindu terror as “irresponsible.”

“Issuing such statements without proper investigation is irresponsible,” Mr. Kumar told journalists here.

At the recently-concluded AICC session in Jaipur, Mr. Shinde said that the BJP and RSS were promoting “Hindu terrorism” and conducting training camps.

“If Mr. Shinde has information and evidence he should take action. His statement, made without any probe is a sign of immaturity. Such comments send out a strong message in the society. In addition to being a Congress leader, Mr. Shinde is the country’s Home Minister. In that position, one has to be very careful and weigh all aspects before making any statement,” Mr. Kumar said and demanded his apology.

Mr. Kumar congratulated Rajnath Singh on his election as BJP president. “Whom the BJP appoints as president is their internal matter. Mr. Singh is an experienced and seasoned leader,” he added. Mr. Kumar said for the next financial year, Bihar’s annual plan outlay would be of Rs. 34,000 crore, hiked from the currently financial year’s outlay of Rs. 28,000 crore.

“We hope the Planning Commission agrees to our annual plan outlay of Rs. 34,000 crore. We are sending our proposal to the Commission. If the Centre decides on special schemes for Bihar, the fund allocation to the schemes would increase,” he said.