Nitish Kumar questions BJP euphoria, reminds them of Congress fate in 80s

Patna: Senior JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar on Monday criticised BJP for its euphoria over the victory in Haryana and Maharashtra and said Congress got over 400 seats in 1984 Lok Sabha polls but their downfall came within five years.

"They are going mad over victory in Haryana and Maharashtra close on heels of win in general election and making proud statement that now its turn of Bihar and Jharkhand... Victory is transient... Congress under Rajiv Gandhi had won 411 seats in 1984 election, but its downfall came within five years in 1989," Kumar said.

Kumar, who is former Bihar Chief Minister, was addressing a JD(U) dharna here as part of statewide protest against Narendra Modi government going back on its poll promises of providing special category status, special package and special attention to Bihar.

JD(U) has signalled that special category status for Bihar would be its main poll plank in crucial Assembly election next year and today's day-long stir on the issue appears it is bracing for the state polls.

Pronouncing the prime minister's name for the first time from a public platform, Kumar said, "Narendra Modi had told people of Bihar during poll campaign in clear terms that if his party is voted to power it will provide special category status, special package and special attention... but five months have lapsed since he came to power but there is no sign of fulfilling the promises."