Patna, May 16: Chief minister Nitish Kumar today asserted that his focus to implement prohibition in Bihar, efforts to take it beyond borders and his related sojourns had not led to neglect in law and order or governance in the state.
"Give me an example of a thing to which I am not paying attention. I will hold my ears and immediately say sorry. I am not neglecting anything. I have hardly stayed away from Bihar for more than 100 hours in the last 35 days," said a peeved Nitish.
Nitish was reacting to questions on whether or not his obsession with total prohibition, after its implementation on April 5 and his tours to other states, had led to neglect in law and order and development in the state.
"Prohibition is a big thing. It's going to change people's nature, action, thoughts and behaviour. It has become the foundation of social change. It's not a small thing and everybody will see this," he added, while speaking to the media at 1, Aney Marg.
The chief minister has taken his prohibition call to Kerala, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Groups opposed to liquor in several states, including Odisha, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, have invited Nitish, whom he has assured support.
"Last year, pictures of students copying in board examinations went viral. Did that happen this time? The exams were held smoothly. Did anybody see mass copying? Panchayat polls are on in the state and six phases have been completed peacefully," Nitish said. "So many natural disasters hit Bihar. The state faced extraordinary fire incidents this year. I issued an advisory to the public. All these things were successfully dealt with but someone threw a slipper at me. Am I fit for this?" Nitish said his government was constantly striving to fulfil promises made to the people in the run-up to the Assembly polls last year. "Of the seven resolves for a developed Bihar, providing 35 per cent reservation to women in government jobs has already been fulfilled. Registration offices are being opened in districts for student credit cards and self-help allowance, which will be launched on October 2. Bihar Vikas Mission is also working to fulfil the resolves," he said.
Nitish said: "The Public Grievance Redressal Act is being reviewed. It will be launched on June 5 and implemented from the next day. People will not see anything I do but will extol them who don't do anything. I am criticised, as I am not from an elite class. The effect of things I'm doing today would be seen tomorrow. I don't get discouraged and keep working for the love and support of the people of Bihar. I will keep working impartially and with patience."
Nitish also questioned why journalists did not question the Prime Minister, Union finance minister and home minister when Vijay Mallya flew out of the country without settling bank loans.
