Nitish Kumar dismisses talks of alliance with any party

PATNA: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has reiterated that the JD(U) is not holding talks with any other party for electoral alliance. Instead, he said, efforts were on to consolidate the JD(U) by holding Sankalp rallies. Nitish, however, refused to comment on PM Manmohan Singh's assertion that if Narendra Modi becomes the PM it be disastrous for the country. "I did not see his press conference so I can't say in what context he said this and what was his body language," he said while talking to the media here on Monday .

About the prospects of Rahul Gandhi being projected as prime ministerial face of the Congress, Nitish said he was not bothered about what other parties — be it the Congress or BJP.

He repeated his earlier stand that only a person with secular credentials and who can take along every sections of the society should be the Prime Minister.

Asked to comment on some of his party MPs meeting BJP president Rajnath Singh, he quipped: "Who knows who will go which way in election time."

While admitting that he had met Jharkhand Vikas Morcha leader Babulal Marandi, Nitish said that the JVM leader has agreed to work together with the JD(U). Nitish was, however, quick to add that there has been no talks on seat-sharing between the two parties. He also rejected the speculations of alliance with the LJP of Ram Vilas Paswan.

Nitish said his government will submit its memorandum to the 14th Finance Commission on Tuesday.

The CM said the government would demand revival of income distance criteria for devolution of central funds to the states. "Being a backward state, Bihar needs more funds and it should be calculated on the basis of per capita income. Also, if the Centre imposes its schemes on states, it should bear entire expenses on its implementation instead of asking for states' share," the CM said adding that the census report of 2011 should be made a criteria for demographic evaluation by the Finance Commission.

Thanks : TOI

*******************