Giriraj Singh attacks Nitish, Sushil over waterlogging in Patna

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday came down heavily on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi on waterlogging in Patna caused by last week's incessant rains, saying Kumar should take responsibility for the problems being faced by the people. "Definitely...Tali Sardar ko to Gali Sardar ko (If a leader takes credit, he must also accept criticism)," he replied when asked whether Nitish Kumar, who has been the Chief Minister for past 15 years, should take responsibility for the situation in Patna and elsewhere in Bihar. 

Giriraj Singh criticised Deputy CM Sushil Modi

Notably, many parts of Patna, including Kankerbagh, Rajendra Nagar and Pataliputra, have been water-logged for the past one week. The state capital witnessed unprecedented rainfall between September 27 and 29, causing flooding in many areas. Singh, the Union Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Minister, also criticised BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, saying, "If Sushil Modi is our leader and all credit is given to him in the party, he should also own the criticism."

READ | Bihar floods: Giriraj Singh says those responsible will be punished

The Begusarai MP said the "wyavastha (dispensation)" is responsible for the problems being faced by the people in the current situation. He apologised to the people of Patna for the problems and difficulties they were facing. Action must be taken against those responsible, the BJP's firebrand leader said, asserting that he would act against officials found to have created problems in his constituency. "It is unfortunate that instead of carrying a probe against officials, our own minister stands in support of such officials," he added. 

READ | Nitish Kumar's cops blurt shameful reason Republic TV was blocked

Nitish Kumar admits to lapses

Earlier on October 2, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar admitted that there may have been negligence in repair works from previous floods while talking to reporters in Patna. He said that his administration will look into the lapses after the current floods are handled. He also assured people that work is in progress at full speed. As of Tuesday, 56 people have died due to floods in Bihar.

READ | Arnab tears apart Nitish Kumar's 'delusion' after assault on Republic

Kumar said, "It is a matter of worry for all but work is happening." When asked if a master plan will be made to avoid such a calamity in the future, he said, "Sure. Once the present situation is handled, we will conduct a meeting on it. Prior to this, when floods had inundated Rajendra Nagar, we had improved all the facilities. But if there was any negligence or it was not maintained properly, we will see if that has been the case. Once this situation is handled completely, we will discuss this," he said.

READ | BJP neta slams Nitish govt, after nearly drowning in flood-waters 

(With PTI inputs)