Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 11: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that Karnataka will reach new heights, if the Bihar model of development is replicated in the state.

Trying to set a base for his party Janata Dal (United) which will be contesting around 30 seats in the upcoming Assembly polls, Kumar said that Karnataka has always stood for JD(U) leaders in the past.

He also showered praises on former CM JH Patel’s son Mahima Patel, who is the JD(U) Karnataka state president. Mahima has been working hard to build a party in Karnataka, he said and added that JD(U)’s foundation was laid in Bengaluru.

Kumar went on to cite some of his government initiatives. "We have only one motto of ‘growth with justice’, which means development at every level and for everyone without any discrimination. All schemes in Bihar are meant for everyone," he said.

The Bihar chief minister refused to comment on the political situation in Karnataka, but only promoted what his party could do for the state. "What is being done in Bihar, if it is replicated in Karnataka, which is already a developed state, it will take the state to new heights," he said.

He gave examples on how his government tackled dropout rate from Bihar schools, especially among girl children. "We started giving them two uniforms, a pair of shoes and a bag and soon the number of girl students went up considerably," he said.

Asserting that he follows 'Nudi Nante Nade' (practice what you preach), he spoke on how corruption and violence was affecting the country. He said there are politicians who engage in money making and are a disgrace. "Today the situation in the country is that of fear. But we should learn to live in peace and harmony. The violence needs to stop not just in India but all over the world. Today the kind of politicians we have is a disgrace. They think if they have power, they can rule. But they should work like a trustee instead of helping the people they engage in making money."

JD(U) is hoping to get a foothold in the South, but may not tie-up with its NDA ally, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"JD(U)'s foundation was laid here in Bengaluru. Many socialist leaders have come from Karnataka while I was greatly influenced by Lohiya ji. J H Patel was one of those leaders and I have great respect for them. Patel was the first person to speak in Kannada in the Parliament and will always be remembered for that," he said.