Nitish gives a walkover to Modi? Says, I don't want to be PM

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today affirmed that he was not in the race to be named as PM candidate for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, saying "face" was not so important for opposition unity to provide alternative and it should be based on "programmes" and "policies" to counter BJP led NDA in next parliamentary polls. Mr Kumar, after "Lok Samvad" programme organized here, told media persons that he was not at all in the race for a PM candidate in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and had already made it clear on several occasions.

In his opinion, he had not the potential required to become a PM candidate, he remarked while responding to repeated queries on the issue. " Face is not so important for opposition unity to succeed in election, rather it should be based on alternative policies and programmes for good result", Chief Minister said adding that few weeks back, he was invited by former union minister P Chidambaram for release of his book in New Delhi, where he had also asked Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi to take initiative for setting the agenda for opposition parties for the next Lok Sabha elections.

Mr Kumar, responding to a query, said he could not set the agenda for opposition parties and it was the  responsibility for Congress which was a large party having national presence. " In 2015 Bihar assembly elections, there was greater unity among constituents of grand alliance comprising JD(U), RJD and Congress and all had contested elections on the basis of common programme,s but NDA was only depending on reacting agenda", Chief Minister said adding that result was for all to see as grand alliance registered impressive victory in Bihar assembly elections. (UNI)