Why did NDA fail to develop Jharkhand between 2000-2004, asks Lalu Prasad Yadav

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad on Sunday sought to know from BJP why it failed to develop Jharkhand when both the NDA governments were at the Centre and in the state between 2000 and 2004.

"The NDA was at the Centre and in Jharkhand. BJP's Babulal Marandi was the chief minister. Why there was no development then?" the former Bihar chief minister asked.

Prasad's comments come hours after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh advocated formation of same party governments at the Centre and in the state for better coordination. Addressing a press conference here ahead of his poll campaigning tomorrow, Prasad claimed his erstwhile RJD government did development works in Jharkhand before it was carved out from Bihar.

"But what had the BJP done even after ruling Jharkhand for nearly a decade after its creation?" asked Prasad.

Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prasad said he got power promising employment to the youth and bringing back black money.

"Now six months on, where is the employment? Where is the black money?" Prasad asked and attacked the BJP for accusing him of keeping money in foreign banks and tarnishing his image.