Nitish Kumar Supports Congress, Says No Place For Vendetta In Politics

New Delhi: Supporting Congress on its protest over National Herald issue, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said there should not be any vendetta in politics and opposition should not be harassed.

"There should not be any vendetta in politics. In democratic system, mandate is given to work for the public. Public mandate is not to harass opposition," Mr Kumar told reporters outside Parliament.

He was asked about his views on the accusation of the Congress that the government is misusing the Enforcement Directorate for political vendetta.

"When Congress is saying something, then it must be well thought-out. I have no details. But when Congress is saying so it must have some meaning, otherwise why the party will say so?" he asked.

He said that in such circumstances, government should clear the apprehensions in the mind of Congress.

"The government has primary responsibility to run Parliament," the JD(U) leader said when asked about the ongoing disruptions in the House.

The Trinamool Congress too has voiced support to the Congress on the issue.

The Chief Minister, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here, said, "It was a courtesy call. There was no particular issue involved in the meeting."

On Bihar package, he said, "I am hopeful that the Centre will honour the commitment made by the PM. I am hopeful it will be implemented."

Asked whether he would play a role in other state elections after Bihar success, he said, "I am doing my work in Bihar after the elections. Other political parties are there in other states. They will discuss and decide on it."

He also said he has met Assam leader Prafulla Mahanta, who is an "old friend".

On GST issue, the Bihar CM said "we support GST as it will be beneficial for all states."

Mr Kumar also had a luncheon meeting with Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.

He visited Rahul Gandhi at his 12 Tughlak Lane residence.

The Congress vice president had strongly backed Mr Kumar for the leadership of the Grand Alliance of RJD-JDU-Congress for Bihar Assembly polls.

Mr Kumar also called on President Pranab Mukherjee who congratulated him for becoming Bihar Chief Minister for the fifth time, a state government statement said.

His meeting with Mr Modi was a courtesy call, it added.