Union Minister Ashwini Choubey blames 'Nakshatra' for Bihar floods

Even as flood situation worsens in Bihar, parties in power in state and Centre continue to make a mockery out of people's condition. On Sunday, CM Nitish Kumar callously called floods a 'natural calamity'. BJP whose ally is JD(U) at Centre and state has defended administration. w, BJP leader Ashwini Choubey has added salt to wounds, blaming floods to stars.

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BJP Minister's shocking statement on Bihar floods

Union Minister Ashwini Choubey on Monday said that heavy rains in Bihar have been occurring due to constellation 'Hathiya'. "Since past few days, it's raining very heavily in Bihar. Sometimes, it is due to Hathiya Nakshatra which causes very heavy rains in Bihar and w it has taken a form of natural disaster. People are surrounded by water in state capital Patna. We are monitoring situation closely," he said.

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Death toll rises to 29

floods in Bihar has led to deaths of 29 people. state has witnessed incessant rainfall and flood in various regions. Bihar State Disaster Manment Authority has said that 29 people have died so far owing to heavy rainfall and waterlogging. India Meteorological Department has said that capital Patna will receive more rainfall for next few days accompanied by thunderstorms. 

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BJP deflects questions on Bihar govt's accountability

BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad deflected questions raised against state government's inability to provide timely help and mitigate situation. When asked about failure of Bihar government in handling situation, he said that time is t right for criticism. He said that he is monitoring situation closely. He also said that state and Centre are working toger to bring in help in Bihar.

"This is t  time to criticise. I stand with people of Patna. government is working for people, Centre is also helping. We are jointly working on solution. I asked Union Minister to open flood gates. I have also arranged for two helicopters. One has already reached,  ar one will also reach here. We have asked Coal India to send large pumps to remove floodwater," BJP leader said. 

READ | BJP defends Nitish Kumar govt over Bihar floods; 29 dead in state