Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), his former ally, on Monday, saying its leaders were earning money in illegal manners.
Addressing the state assembly after winning the vote of confidence, Nitish also promised a probe into the corruption allegations against the RJD leaders.
“I was not against anyone and had given respect to them, but I was in pain when I learnt that they were earning money. Even though the BJP, which was with us, had never done any kind of mischief, they (the RJD) kept all leaders at one place and offered lakhs of rupees to move legislators here and there. Now, I will initiate an investigation about how they could obtain money,” said the chief minister.
Nitish, the president of the Janata Dal (United), walked out of the Mahagathbandhan and formed a fresh government in the state with the support of the BJP on January 28.
On Monday, a total of 129 legislators voted in favour of the trust motion in the 243-member assembly as the opposition—RJD, Congress and Left parties—staged a walkout.
While looking at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Nitish said, “Your party was not doing well. The people sitting alongside me will help you. If you have any problem, come to me, and we will shorten your problem.”
Yadav was Nitish’s deputy in the previous government.
The JD (U) supremo also questioned the RJD's claim of championing the cause of Muslims and pointed out that it was only under his rule that the state did not witness any major communal conflagration.
The chief minister also tore into the RJD over the law and order situation during its 15 years' rule in the state.
“We have been working for the development of Bihar since 2005. What was before that? In the 15 years of his father and mother, people hesitated to come out from home in the evening. We have changed all these things,” he said.