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No similarity with BJP on many issues: Nitish

Last updated on: October 25, 2010 14:06 IST
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

In an interview with CNN-IBN, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ruled out the possibility of a post-poll alliance with the Congress. The Janata Dal United leader also talked about the alliance between his party and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Excerpts from the interview:

What is the similarity between the Bharatiya Janata Party's school of thought and Nitish Kumar's school of thought?

The question of having a similar school of thought need not arise, if in an alliance there is a common programme. That very programme contains minority welfare also and we implement that. The fact is that ideologies are different, there is no similarity on many issues, and there cannot be also. In an alliance, the government is made together, elections are fought together; there is a common programme.

'I have good relations with the BJP'

Last updated on: October 25, 2010 14:06 IST
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi

Why wasn't Narendra Modi allowed to campaign in Bihar?

This is not our matter; it's the BJP's. They have to decide, we are nowhere interfering in their decision on who has to be called and who doesn't.
 
Are you waiting for an opportunity to leave the BJP and join the Congress?

I am a product of the Jai Prakash Narayan movement and that doesn't even come in my line of thinking. I have good relations with the BJP and have had a good experience of working with them. That's why I am still working with them and will continue to do so.

'People should break through the caste divide'

Last updated on: October 25, 2010 14:06 IST
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

What do you think about Rahul Gandhi?

I am talking about the new generation and not about a youth icon. For me, any boy born in a normal family is an icon and I think that the new generation is smart and will move ahead. I do not want to talk about an individual.
 
Development is the main plank in this election.

People should take inspiration from the past and break through the caste divide. This will lead to the development of Bihar. I am happy about the fact that the new generation has realised this The victory of development in these elections will be a victory for Bihar. Though many people will try and create a caste divide, it will not work. Everyone is working towards development and the sense of pride that is sub-nationalism. If Bihar is strong, the country will be strong and it is our duty to contribute to national growth.