Not much hope from PM Narendra Modi's visit, says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said there was not much to hope from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of new projects during his visit on July 25 to the state, but he would accord welcome to him.

"There is not much hope of PM announcing anything new in the package he is expected to announce. His announcement would be a packaging of the existing ones initiated by me and approved by the UPA," Kumar said.

"However, I myself will be there to accord the PM a warm welcome whether we get something new or not," he said while addressing a function after inaugurating the state's longest flyover here.

"Welcoming guests is in the tradition of Bihar which we would follow when the PM visits Bihar on July 25," Kumar said.

BJP has been trying to capitalise on Prime Minister's visit during which he is expected to inaugurate several projects for poll-bound Bihar.

Stating that BJP was trying to show as "gift" from PM all the projects initiated by him and approved by the UPA regime, Kumar said "one should be large hearted to give something."

He said the new campus of IIT Bihta which the PM would inaugurate was made possible due to his sustained initiative.

"It was I who put pressure on the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh not to let the IIT go to South India and provide it to Bihar and he agreed," he claimed.

The state government provided 500 acre of land for the IIT at Bihta.

Likewise the Jagdishpur-Haldia gas pipeline whose work the PM is expected to start was approved three year ago during the previous regime.

The Daniyawa-Biharsharif Railway line which PM is expected to inaugurate was also his initiative, Kumar said.

"Work has been done by someone while its credit is claimed by somebody else," Kumar said taking a jibe at the PM.

The PM after inaugurating these projects would go to Muzaffarpur the same day to address a public rally.

Kumar said he would present a report card on July 27 to inform people about his government's works.

Kumar inaugurated 2.27 km flyover from Jagdeopath to Sheikhpura roundabout, the longest in the state, built at an estimated cost of Rs 162 crore.

The CM said, "We urge the Centre that if you want good of the state at least get the National Highways repaired and allocate sufficient money for their upkeep."