‘Irregularities’ by RJD ex-ministers being probed, says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

‘Irregularities’ by RJD ex-ministers being probed, says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

PATNA: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said on Saturday that he had learned of many irregularities that took place when RJD was in govermentt with him and that all such irregularities were being investigated.

Responding to media queries about govt’s Friday order to review all decisions taken by departments led by ex-deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav and RJD ministers Lalit Yadav and Ramanand Yadav, Nitish said, “If there is any irregularity in any place (dept), it is necessary to probe it. Things are being investigated. We won’t tolerate irregularities.” Meanwhile, the CM downplayed RJD boss Lalu Prasad’s remark that his “doors are always open for Nitish”, saying he maintains “good relations with allies as well as oppn leaders”.

Nitish might expand cabinet soon or after budget session

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar downplayed RJD boss Lalu Prasad Yadav’s remark that his “doors are always open for Nitish”, saying he maintains “good relations with allies as well as oppn leaders”. “It was a chance meeting… I shake hands with them whenever I meet them. That’s all. Nothing more.”

Asked about the possibility of a cabinet expansion, Nitish, who currently heads a nine-member cabinet, said, “Ho jayega (It will be done). Sab theek chal raha hai (Things are going smoothly).”

“We already have eight ministers looking after different departments.” NDA sources said Nitish might expand his cabinet in the next few days or after the Budget session.

On probing irregularities, Bihar’s cabinet secretariat department, headed by Nitish, asked officials from the health, road construction, urban development & housing, and rural works departments to review decisions of the previous Grand Alliance govt. These departments were headed by Tejashwi.

The cabinet secretariat department has also asked top officials of the public health engineering department and mines and geology department to review decisions taken by then RJD ministers Lalit Yadav and Ramanand Yadav.

Replying to another query after paying tribute to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur on his death anniversary, Nitish said he agreed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that the BJP-led coalition would win more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. “Mujhe pura bharosa hai (I am completely confident),” Nitish said.

Asked about regional leaders frequently deserting the opposition INDI Alliance, Nitish said, “They were not doing anything, that is why cracks are developing. The name (INDIA) given to this alliance was not my choice at all. They decided on their own. As they were doing nothing, I decided to keep myself away. Now, I have nothing to do with them. I am back here (NDA).”

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