Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad speak differently on Narendra Modi's visit to Pakistan

PATNA: Allies Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad today spoke in different voices on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise stopover in Lahore and the subsequent terror attack in Pathankot.

While Chief Minister Kumar welcomed Modi's visit and called it a "good gesture and initiative", RJD chief Lalu Prasad was critical and lashed out at the central government's "failure" in Patahankot.

"In my personal opinion, his (Modi's) visit was right. For the relation with Pak to improve and the resolution of controversial issues, it is necessary that the democratic forces there (be enagged)..." the JD(U) leader said, noting that the internal situation of Pakistan should be understood.

"If the Prime Minister went there on Nawaz Sharif's birthday or some wedding in his family, I consider it a good gesture. I do not look at it from any other angle. Some people say the visit was pre-planned but this is not an issue. It is a good thing and such an initiative is good," he told reporters.

He did not make any comment on Pathankot attack.

Prasad, on the other hand made light of Modi's visit, asking "Only he knows what he talked about or what biryani he ate!".

Taking a swipe at the government over the terror attack, the RJD chief said, "BJP people would boast about looking Pakistan in its eye and 56-inch chest. What happened? How did terrorists enter our home."

Noting that eight persons, including an Army officer, was killed, he said the Modi government had failed in securing the country. "The country is not safe."