Reject caste politics, Sonia urges Bihar’s voters

PATNA - Launching a scathing attack against caste (jaat-paat) politics of Bihar, Congress president Sonia Gandhi Thursday appealed to the voters to reject it and vote for her party to ensure development of the state.

“In Bihar, caste politics is in practice, which is neither good for the country nor for the state. It is also not good for common man. I appeal to voters to reject caste politics for a developed and prosperous Bihar,” she said, addressing an election rally in Bhagalpur assembly constituency.

Gandhi targeted the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Nitish Kumar in the state, dubbing it as an example of opportunistic politics. “Nitish Kumar is talking about secularism but continuing an alliance with a communal party. It has exposed his true face of opportunistic politics,” she said.

Gandhi said that unlike others, Congress stands for development and never makes big promises.

“The Bihar government blamed the central government for its failure to deliver or fulfil promises. Crores of rupees were provided by the central government for Bihar’s development, but they did not reach the people,” she said, adding she heard of “rampant corruption and irregularities in implementing schemes”.

Attacking the Bihar government for failing to spend and utilise funds provided by the central government for development of the state, she noted there is no electricity in “Silk City” Bhagalpur, thus badly hitting the industry and weavers.

Gandhi, who is on her second visit to Bihar to campaign for the party candidates, will address another election rally in Begusarai.

The Congress is contesting for all 243 assembly seats on its own.

Voting was under way Thursday in the third phase of Bihar’s elections, in 48 constituencies spread across six districts. The next rounds of the six-phase elections will be held Nov 1, 9 and 20. Votes will be counted Nov 24.