Uniting against BJP and its divisive ideology is only way to save democracy

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday appealed to non-BJP parties to make a ‘Sangh-mukt’ (Sangh-free) country “to save democracy”.

“ Sangh-mukt Bharat banane ke liye sabhi gair BJP parties ko ek hona hoga (to usher in a Sangh-free India all non-BJP parties have to come together),” the new JD(U) chief said at the ‘Advantage Conclave’ here.

“Uniting against BJP and its divisive ideology is the only way to save democracy,” said Mr. Kumar, who has already talked about “largest possible unity” among secular parties.

The Chief Minister said he was not against any party or individual, but against “divisive” ideology of the Sangh, the ideological parent of the BJP.

“The three stalwarts of the BJP - Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L. K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi- have been sidelined within the party and power has gone to people who have no faith in secularism and communal harmony,” he said.

A day after becoming JD(U) president, Mr. Kumar had on April 11 said he would strive for forging the “largest possible unity” against the BJP by bringing the Congress, the Left and regional parties on one platform before the 2019 general elections.

In an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Kumar said: “Management is more important than event management.”

“Event management could benefit for sometime. But, there is a need to go into the depth of the issue. Sincere work done for the welfare of people itself reaches the masses,” he said.

Referring to prohibition in Bihar, he said: “I have visited three-four districts (after announcement of total ban on liquor on April 5). I found its not only women but even men are happy with it.”

The Chief Minister said that to help poor students pursue higher studies, his government would launch ‘Student Credit Card’ to give interest-free educational loan on October 2 this year.

He said his government is focusing on women empowerment and has given them 35 per cent reservation in government jobs. PTI