Sharad Yadav accuses Nitish Kumar of casteism

PATNA: JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav has dubbed Nitish Kumar, chief minister of Bihar and Lalu Prasad, Kumar’s predecessor, as leaders who could not rise above caste politics, a statement which comes as a huge embarrassment for the ruling party in the thick of elections.

Blaming himself for patronizing leaders like Kumar and Prasad, Sharad said both became chief ministers due to his blessings but unfortunately they could not think beyond caste based politics. “I seek apology from you all for anointing Lalu Prasad as the chief minister. Prasad completely destroyed the honour and dignity of the state. Even Nitish emulated Prasad when he became the chief minister,” Sharad said during an election meeting at Muzaffarpur on Friday.

In between his speech, Sharad also praised Kumar saying he was able to fast-track development work in Bihar. The JD(U) chief retracted his statement later and his remarks about Kumar were a slip of tongue. JD(U) leaders are upset at the party boss at the timing and remarks against the chief minister.

“I dont know what Sharadji wants to covey when the election process is on . But this is quite disturbing,” a JD(U) leader remarked. The BJP was quick to take a potshot at both Prasad and Kumar.

“From what Sharadji has said , it has now become clear that both Laluji and Nitishiji only practised caste-based politics in Bihar. Sharadji is a very senior leader and his words certainly carry much weight,” BJP spokesperson Shah Nawaz Hussain told reporters on Saturday.