Drinking water minister Jaleshwar Mahto (top) and Nitish Kumar. Telegraph file photos

Ranchi, May 30: Drinking water and sanitation minister Jaleshwar Mahto used a news conference at his residence today as an opportunity to compare Bihar with Jharkhand.

?What Bihar has achieved in the past six months, we failed to do in over five years,? the minister said.

Mahto said Bihar was progressing faster under chief minister Nitish Kumar, who is also from Mahto?s party, the JD(U). It is not that development has not taken place in Jharkhand, but it is certainly not up to the expectations, added Manto.

But, the minister does not believe anyone in particular ? the CM, ministers, the officials ? are responsible for the slow pace of growth in Jharkhand.

Justifying his statement, he said: ?We have also developed, but not with the desired speed. The speed of development cannot be fast unless the people participate in the process. Here, the people do not participate in development process. This is not a healthy symptom?.

People should work towards developing the state instead of focussing on their frustrations, he added. Mahto, however, had no suggestions as to how people could participate in the development process.

Further justifying the improved situation in Bihar, the drinking water and sanitation minister said the neighbouring state was plagued by poor law and order situation, which the chief minister has improved considerably.

Mahto also appealed to the public to welcome Kumar to the state capital on June 10.

It will be Kumar?s first trip to Ranchi after becoming the chief minister of Bihar.

Mahto said JD(U)?s state executive committee will meet at Hotel Capitol Hill on June 9.

National party president Sharad Yadav will also be present at the meeting.

The state council and active members will meet at Town Hall on June 10, where the Bihar chief minister will be felicitated.