Patna, March 1: Nitish Kumar's birthday saw rare bonhomie among lawmakers today, as leaders cutting across party lines wished him and the chief minister apologised for a party colleague's words.
"I regret that such a thing was said," Nitish said about the statement by his party spokesperson and MLC Sanjay Singh that political leaders killed in the recent past in the state were "a burden on earth". "Such statements or words should not be used," Nitish said. "As a leader of the party (JDU) and the Legislative Council, I also express my own regret over the issue."
Earlier, RJD MLC Ram Vachan Rai moved a special motion to wish the chief minister and members cutting across party lines - including senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and RJD MLC and former chief minister Rabri Devi - greeted him.
BJP MLC Lal Babu Prasad protested Sanjay's comment in the House on February 26, when the Opposition raised concerns about law and order and killings of NDA leaders like state BJP vice-president Visheshwar Ojha, Kedar Singh, and LJP leader Brijnathi Singh.
Council chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh pointed out that Sanjay's comment was expunged.
Sushil said: "It is the chief minister's birthday today. It's a good occasion and the environment here is good. I request him to show large-heartedness and if the comment was objectionable then give directions to the member to tender an apology."
In the Assembly, BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav wished Nitish the moment the chief minister entered. Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar, Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and several MLAs also greeted Nitish. Legislators made a beeline to his chamber in the Assembly and presented him bouquets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Nitish to greet him, and also tweeted: "Birthday wishes to Bihar CM@Nitish Kumar ji. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life."
Nitish replied with: "Thank you @narendramodi ji for your call & warm birthday wishes. Our government and the people of Bihar look forward to your visit on March12."
The Prime Minister will attend the closing function of the Patna High Court centenary celebrations.
Among those who wished Nitish on Twitter was Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Nitish was busy replying to individual greetings on Twitter till the evening, before he flew to New Delhi. He is supposed to visit Nepal on Wednesday to attend the 13th convention of the Nepali Congress on Thursday.
