BJP hits back at Nitish Kumar

BJP minister Giriraj Singh lashed out at the Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar saying the BJP's tie-up with the JD(U) was not binding.

The BJP's general secretary for Bihar said Nitish Kumar had insulted the BJP by reacting so harshly.

Sources say that Narendra Modi is upset over Nitish's outbursts and has threatened to walk out of the BJP's national executive meet in Patna. Senior BJP leaders are reportedly trying to mollify him and convince him to attend the Patna rally.

Kumar had earlier snubbed the BJP by not attending their dinner.

Earlier, Nitish Kumar had lashed out at Narendra Modi’s government in Gujarat for its advertisement on Friday on its "liberal donation" to Bihar during the 2008 Kosi floods, saying it was "uncivilised" to talk about help given during times of tragedy.

He also took strong exception to the use of his photograph with that of Modi in another advertisement published in local dailies and said he would take legal action against those responsible for it.

"Gujarat government’s claim (on flood relief) is uncivilised and against Indian culture. Nobody claims bestowing favours on those who face tragedy caused by natural calamities," Kumar told reporters here.

Kumar said he or his office was not consulted on the use of his photograph with that of Modi in the advertisement issued by some private individuals.