Lalu Yadav hits back at Nitish Kumar, brands him as a 'turncoat' hungry for power

PATNA: RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday hit back at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar calling him a 'Palturam' (turncoat) of politics and said he has been in and out of alliances umpteen times for his personal benefit. Addressing a press conference a day Nitish accused him of being smothered in corruption, Lalu said, " "I know Nitish Kumar from the beginning as I'm senior to him. He is one big 'Palturam' whose true colours will soon show. From the very beginning, he is known for his dubious character. Nitish has forgotten the days when he used to take my blessing and go for any political debate or talks". Lalu said Nitish was afraid of Tejashwi's popularity and accused Bihar Chief Minister of being 'power hungry'. "It was a 'fixed match' between Nitish Kumar and BJP to break the grand alliance and form government in Bihar. He also conspired to get case instituted against me with the help of BJP," he said. "He wanted to make my son Tejashwi a scapegoat as he was doing good work. He is power hungry," Lalu added. Further lashing out at Nitish, Lalu stated that only because of Mulayam Singh, he allowed the Chief Minister in his alliance. "Yesterday when he accused me and my family; I knew it was coming. As he is not a man of his words. He has also forgotten the day when I made him rule the state and join my alliance with open arms. It was only because of Mulayam Singh that I agreed to accept him in my party. But today I regret of the time spent and the moment lost," he said. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lalu said that Nitish used to speak ill of BJP and today he is singing their glory. "Till yesterday Nitish was accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi now suddenly he is singing his praises and calling him the "biggest leader" in the country. This comes as a shock to me! He also added that there is no one who can defeat him.. (Smile). I know Nitish's intentions as he wants to sacrifice my children for his glory and name," Lalu added. Lalu said Nitish wanted to make Tejashwi Yadav a scapegoat as he was doing good work. (With inputs from ANI)