Lalu hails Army, flays BJP on surgical strikes

PATNA: RJD President Lalu Prasad today hailed the Army for its 'successful' surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) but mocked the NDA-led Central government for "trying to take credit" for it.

"BJP is falsely trying to take credit of brave acts of the Indian Army (for the successful surgical strikes on the launch pads of terrorists in PoK)," he told mediapersons outside his wife Rabri Devi's residence at 10 Circular road here before leaving for the last rites of socialist leader Ram Iqbal Worsi in Bhojpur district.

"The Army is known for its valour and it has given befitting reply to Pakistan's attempts to push terrorists into the country and would do so in future as well. I am sure if the need arises, our brave Army would do a major surgery like this in future also," the RJD supremo said.

Prasad dismissed opposition's allegations of "rift" between him and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying, "There is a strong bond between me and Nitish Kumar."

Prasad and Kumar are known as 'Bade bhai' and 'Chote bhai' respectively in the political circles in the state.

"I extended Durga puja greetings to Nitish Kumar yesterday. BJP is trying to create a rift between us but it is not possible ... The coalition government in Bihar will continue to run successfully like it is doing now," the RJD supremo added.