New Delhi, October 21: As the first phase of Assembly elections in Bihar concluded today, the war of words between Congress and JD-U intensified with the latter today accusing the ruling party at the Centre of trying to “finish the federal structure”. Attacking Congress for its statements on the use of Central funds in Bihar, JD-U chief Sharad Yadav said his party will bring the heads of all non-Congress ruled states on one platform to oppose this attitude and will also raise the issue in Parliament during the winter session.
Yadav said he was “hurt” with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh”s remark that the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government was not properly discharging its responsibility of implementing Central schemes. “During campaigning in Bihar, leaders of some parties, especially from the Congress, claimed that the development in the state was due to the money given by the Centre.
This claim is not only false but also shows lack of respect for federal system. Congress wants to finish the federal structure of the country,” Yadav told a press conference here.
The JD-U will oppose such attempts tooth and nail, he said adding “this will not end here. We will raise it in Parliament and after will bring together the heads of all non-Congress ruled states over the issue”.
Yadav said Congress is fighting the election in Bihar not to win but to defeat JD-U and to “blast the rail on which the train of development was brought back in Bihar” during the NDA rule. “Bihar made progress on its own.
The Centre only obstructed its progress. There were many instances when it failed to give Bihar its due.
During the Kosi flood in 2008, which even the Prime Minister termed as a national calamity, only a small amount of money was given for relief work. No money was given for reconstruction,” Yadav said.
He said the Centre was not giving money for the construction and maintenance of National Highways for which the state has already spent around Rs 1000 crore. “It is ridiculous for Congress leaders to claim credit for Bihar”s development which was achieved under our government for last five years.
Congress was part of Rabri Devi government of RJD, which preceded our government.
Congress was in power both at the Centre and in Bihar for many years.
In their rule, they destroyed the economy of Bihar,” Yadav alleged. He said the amount given to the state had increased because more tax was collected by the Centre and all states were now entitled to more money from the Central fund.
Yadav”s reaction came days after Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari claimed that the funds given to Bihar doubled during UPA rule than what it used to be during NDA government. The JD(U) chief expressed confidence that the NDA alliance can win over 160 seats in Bihar but dismissed the credibility of Opinion Polls.
He also said that paid news was a key factor in increasing election expenditure.
—PTI—