Speaking in code? Bihar CM Nitish Kumar paints a lotus and sparks furore

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar caused a furore after he was photographed painting a lotus at an event on Saturday. Kumar was painting a lotus drawn by an artist at the inauguration of the Patna Book Fair at Gandhi maidan.

According to the Statesman, the lotus was drawn by Baua Devi who was recently awarded the Padma Shri on Republic Day. Kumar signed his name below the painting.

"He was painting his political ambitions. He wants to keep showing Lalu ji that he's independent. (Wo apni ranjinitk rang bhar rahe thay, Laluji ko baar baar wo zaroor dikhaate rehte hain ki main swatantra hun)," BJP MP Giriraj Singh said.

Bihar's ruling party Janata Dal (United) was previously an ally of the BJP and many were reading into Kumar's action and what it meant for his relationship with the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. JDU is currently in an alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress.

While his allies have been critical of the Centre's moves, such as the surgical strikes and the recent demonetization, Kumar has backed the Prime Minister and often lauded his actions.

In response to speculations arising from the painting, JD(U)'s Pavan Verma told ANI, "It's laughable. Those who are drawing inferences from this are doing so deliberately knowing that it has no substance."

With ANI inputs.