Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar asserted on Monday that Bihar's Lokayukta Act is a strong measure to curb corruption. "We are fighting corruption and to combat this menace, we have enacted a powerful and effective Lokayukta Act," he said.

In an oblique reference to Team Anna's criticism of Bihar Lokayukta Act, Nitish said, "Those who suspect its effectiveness will agree with us once this act comes into force." At Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday, during Anna Hazare's fast and dharna, a Team Anna member had criticized the Bihar act, saying it was not so strong as it did not include the suggestions made to the state government.

Nitish was speaking to media at the state hangar while embarking on his Seva Yatra to Saharsa district during the first phase. He will stay there for three days. Nitish is resuming his yatra after a gap of 12 days because of the assembly session. Earlier, he covered West Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Sheikhpura and Arwal. After Saharsa, he is scheduled to visit Banka, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Purnia and Siwan.

A large number of party workers were present to see off Nitish at the hangar. Due to inclement weather, the chopper took off three hours after the scheduled departure.

TOI, Patna