Lok Sabha polls: JD(U) nominee will forfeit deposit if I want, claims minister

JAMUI: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was hugely embarrassed when a minister in his cabinet claimed at an election rally in his presence today that JD(U) nominee Uday Narayan Chaudhary would not only lose from Jamui (SC) Lok Sabha seat, but even forfeit his deposit if he so wanted.

"The candidate (Uday Narayan Chaudhary) will not only lose badly from Jamui (SC) parliamentary seat, but forfeit his deposit too if I want," Bihar agriculture minister Narendra Singh told the rally looking in the direction of Nitish at an election meeting in Khaira high school ground.

The outspoken minister's dare before a visibly embarrassed chief minister came in response to some Chaudhary loyalists' reportedly spreading the rumour that the former was out to defeat the JD(U) candidate.

"Some leaders sitting on the dais are spreading lies about me that I am trying to defeat the JD(U) candidate from Jamui (SC), but if I do decide then your candidate will lose polls and forfeit his deposit," Singh said in a menacing tone.

Later before making an election speech, Nitish made an effort to assuage the hurt feelings of his senior minister and said that he would never take a major decision without consulting him.

"I always take your opinion before taking any big decision," Kumar told the minister.

The Agriculture Minister, known for making frank and sometimes controversial remarks, had yesterday slammed the JD(U) leadership for taking a 'stupid' decision by inducting Shabir Ali and making him a Rajya Sabha MP a couple of years ago.

Singh had earlier questioned the chief minister and the JD(U) national president Sharad Yadav over selection of candidates for the general elections.