PATNA: RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday launched a scathing attack on Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar‘s ongoing “Vikas Samiksha Yatra“, calling it a scam. Lalu demanded a probe in CM’s Yatra, alleging that funds to the tune of Rs 10 crore are spent in every district visited by the CM.

Nitish started his Vikas Samiksha Yatra on December 12 from Bagaha in West Champaran and he is slated to visit 37 districts in the seven- phase Yatra slated to end on January 18. The Yatra envisages review of Government Schemes by the CM, especially progress in seven resolves, apart from promoting the campaign against dowry and child marriages.

Showing government documents in support of his allegations, Lalu claimed that 4,000 Jeevika workers are brought in every public meet of Nitish under the Yatra and each of them are paid Rs 75.

“Apart from the 4000 women, who are paid Rs 75 each for attending CM’s public meets, a lot of other expenses are travel, accommodation and other expenses of officials. An estimated Rs 10 crore is being spent in each district visited by the CM, who is least interested in doing welfare works and providing benefits of government schemes to common people. It is Vikas Yatra Sameeksha Ghotala,” Lalu said.

The RJD chief added that a fair and independent probe should be conducted in the government expenses being incurred in the Yatra. “The CM makes political statements and JD(U) flags are put up in the public meets in the Yatra, which is organising utilising government funds. There should be thorough financial probe of this Yatra,” Lalu said.
Lalu added that only selected villages, which are visited by the CM under the Yatra, are given facelift and there is minimal progress in government schemes in other villages. “There is growing unrest among people as absolutely no work is being done and BJP has dominated governance. It is due to this reason that CM is facing protests at his public meets,” Lalu said.
On being asked for a comment on Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s statement regarding her retirement on Friday, Lalu said: “No one retires from politics. She would continue to guide Congress. Besides, the Grand Alliance (of Opposition parties) would become stronger with the leadership of Congress with Rahul Gandhi.”
Lalu added that he talked to Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti leader Hardik Patel on Friday, who told him that Congress is going to win in Gujarat assembly elections.
Source : timesofindia