Ever since he assumed the reins of power in Patna, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has grown significantly in political stature and national importance. That hasn't affected his easy, laidback style, though. Despite a tightly-packed day addressing public complaints, dealing with the bureaucracy and handling his newly expanded cabinet, the Bihar CM found time for
at his Anne Marg residence. Excerpts:
People say you are too bureaucratic compared to Laloo...
Laughs
You and Laloo Yadav co-scripted the Mandal strategy jointly in Bihar. But he became the Mandal hero...
Your critics accuse you of playing into the hands of Bhumihars.
You're talking about development. But power in Bihar is retained through social coalitions...
The fast-track courts you have set up have sent many dons to jail, but some of them like Prabhunath Singh are still MPs of your party...
Your cabinet expansion has created a furore. Deputy CM Sushil Modi's stature is said to have diminished...
Everyone here is talking about Sushil Modi. But nationally many BJP leaders and workers see Narendra Modi as the future leader...
Hamare yahaan to Sushil Modi hai
Some economists say that state governments have more funds today because the UPA's revenue collection is better?
