Nitish Kumar snubs BJP ‘jungle raj return’ allegations, says answer will be given at appropriate time

BJP leaders have taken to social media sharing criminal cases involving ministers in the new Bihar cabinet

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday dismissed allegations of “return of jungle raj” by the BJP and asserted that the controversy surrounding newly inducted minister and RJD MLC Kartikeya Singh was being “looked into” for suitable action.

The JD(U) leader also reprimanded party MLA Bima Bharti for raising questions over re-induction of Leshi Singh, who has been a minister for many years, and said the rebellious legislator will be “properly briefed by the party”.

Kumar, who now heads a government that includes, besides his party and RJD, the Congress and the Left extending support from outside, was talking to reporters at the IGIMS hospital here where he had gone to enquire about the well being of Bijendra Prasad Yadav, the eldest member of his cabinet, who was admitted previous night after taking ill.

“I will answer them at an appropriate time. They are speaking a lot. At this moment, I just need to assure the people that the pace of development under the new dispensation will be greater than ever before. ”Nitish KumarBihar Chief Minister

Kumar was asked by journalists about the allegations of “return of jungle raj” by BJP leaders, who have been bombarding social media with incidents of crime and criminal cases involving ministers in the new cabinet, sore over loss of power.

“I will answer them at an appropriate time. They are speaking a lot. At this moment, I just need to assure the people that the pace of development under the new dispensation will be greater than ever before”, said the chief minister.

Asked about a criminal case involving Kartikeya Singh, the state’s law minister, Kumar said, “The matter is being looked into. Whatever is needed will be done.” The chief minister had on Wednesday said he had no information about the controversy surrounding Singh, known to be close to dreaded former Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh who was disqualified last month after conviction in a case relating to recovery of explosives, arms and ammunition from his house.