Patna, Jan. 10: Nitish Kumar's absence from the chief minister's seat and the simmering political instability have dissuaded non-resident Indians (NRIs) from investing in the state.

The state government has termed their participation in the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Ahmedabad 'very fruitful and profitable' and they were now looking to Vibrant Gujarat in Gandhinagar from January 11. However, sources said the majority of NRIs attracted to the Bihar pavilion were not impressed by the current state of affairs.

The Bihar pavilion at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which ended on Friday, received NRI visitors from Syria, Canada, Malaysia, Thailand and southeast Asia. While some were regular visitors, others were prospective investors.

'NRIs with roots in Bihar visited our pavilion. We provided them information about the state, its investment scenario and the industrial incentive policy. They were also told about the subsidies the state government offers to industries,' said industries minister Bhim Singh.

Apart from officials of the industries department, representatives of Bihar-based industry bodies had taken part in the event. 'An hour-long session organised in hall number 10 on the concluding day drew around 45 prospective investors. The state government explained to them the industrial policies and benefits of investing in Bihar. However, a majority of the participants aired concern about the political instability in the 'no-Nitish Kumar Bihar'. This is worrisome. But the state must take part in such events more and more, only then would people recognise us. The state's participation in the Divas has not been a very fruitful affair but it shouldn't dampen the state's spirit,' said a member of the visiting delegation.

The alliance between the JDU and the BJP broke up in June 2013. Nitish Kumar resigned as the chief minister on May 17, 2014, following an embarrassing loss in the Lok Sabha polls.

'It is not that people don't know that Nitish Kumar is no longer the chief minister. The worrying factor is the ongoing unstable situation in Bihar. One doesn't need to elaborate that Nitish's development politics mantra has taken a backseat,' said the official.

Another representative said the state was pinning hopes on Vibrant Gujarat. 'Bihar needs to keep taking part in such events. Investors would need their own time to consider investing in the state,' the official said.