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Triggering speculation, BJP minister in the NDA government in Bihar, Sunil Kumar Pintu, on Monday praised the 'Nitish Kumar model' of development saying it was better than the 'Gujarat model' as it scripted development of the backward state from scratch.
"Even before Modiji assumed power in 2002, Gujarat was already a developed state. On the other hand, Nitishji took over from scratch, but managed to script a turnaround story in Bihar. Compared to Gujarat, the Bihar model is much better and is earning praise within the country and also outside," Pintu told PTI here.
"If someone already has Rs 1000 and adds Rs 800 more to make the total Rs 1800 is it better than the one who has nothing and earns the sum through hard labour?" Pintu, the Tourism minister, questioned. Pintu, when asked if he was preparing to switch sides in the event of a split in the JD(U)-BJP alliance, dismissed it. "That is not true. I have been in BJP since the beginning and will remain in BJP," he said.
He also did not give any credence to speculation of the JD(U) and BJP parting ways. Pintu, who is BJP MLA from Sitamarhi, said the NDA government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi has taken Bihar forward from zero and attracted appreciation.
The JD(U) assertion invited strong protest from BJP leaders mainly from Bihar including Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi. Cracks have appeared in the ties between the NDA partners after the JD(U) at its recent national conclave made it clear that it was prepared to severe ties with its 17-year old ally if the Gujarat chief minister was nominated as the PM candidate.
