BJP and JD(U) leaders on Sunday attacked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his remarks on utilisation of Central assistance by Bihar, saying the funds are “not Congress’ property” and dared him to join a public debate rather than adopting “hit-and-run” tactics.
“Yesterday, a remark was made that the Central funds are not being utilised properly in Bihar. The fund the Central government collects is taxpayers’ money. That is not the property of the Congress party,” BJP leader Arun Jaitley said at a press meet along with chief minister Nitish Kumar here.
Accusing the Prime Minister of adopting “hit-and-run” tactics and misleading people about Central assistance to Bihar, chief minister Nitish Kumar dared him to an open debate on these issues.
“I fully respect Manmohan Singh as PM and also leader of the country, though it is a different matter that the former treats another person as his leader,” the JD-U leader remarked sarcastically while taking a swipe at Dr Singh for his statement.
Taking strong exception to Dr Singh’s remarks that the Bihar government had failed to fully implement Centrally-sponsored sch-emes but was taking credit for them, Mr Arun Jaitley said people contribute to Central funds by giving taxes and it is the right of every state to get its share.
“Injustice is being done to Bihar. The Prime Minister should have analysed Bihar as an economist and not as a politician,” he said.
Addressing an election meeting in Bihar, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said, “It is unfortunate to know that the state government is taking credit for the schemes of the Central government and their benefits are not reaching those intended.”