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Nitish seeks apology from Goa Minister

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday denounced the reported anti-Bihari remarks by a Goa Minister and demanded an unqualified apology from the latter for having “hurt the sensibilities of Biharis.”

“Coming from a person occupying the responsible post of a Minister in a State, the remark is deplorable and should be condemned by all. The remark should be withdrawn immediately and the Minister should tender an unqualified apology to the people of Bihar,” Mr. Kumar told reporters.

Goa Home minister Ravi Naik, in a statement, reportedly opposed the proposed introduction of a train from Patna to Panaji “as beggars from Bihar would start visiting the coastal State.”

“After more than 60 years of Independence, if a responsible person has said such a thing, then it is highly derogatory. I criticise it as an irresponsible statement. The Minister, it seems, does not understand the kind of poverty that exists in India, which forces people to migrate from their homes to other areas of the country,” JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said.

RJD Parliamentary Party deputy leader Devendra Prasad Yadav said it was an objectionable statement that has hurt the sentiments of the people of Bihar.

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said if a Minister had made such a statement, then action should be taken against him under the Constitution. — PTI

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