Impatient Modi to arrogant BJP: 5 highlights of Nitish's speech

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar who addressed a party convention in Rajgir in Bihar on Tuesday took on Narendra Modi and former ally Bharatiya Janata Party in an hour-long speech, responding directly to Modi’s allegations against the JD (U) in his rally in Patna on Sunday. Here are excerpts from his speech. [caption id=“attachment_120025” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  A file photograph of Nitish Kumar. Reuters[/caption] On Modi * I have heard Gujaratis are biggest consumers of ice-cream, then why doesn’t that sweetness reflect in their words? * What name of a rally is this? ‘Hoonkar’? It drips of arrogance… Choose a leader who can take care of everyone and inspires faith in all. One acceptable to all and is willing to embrace all. * I may not have sold tea but am from a modest home and had no privileges. * Modi was sweating and drinking water over and over again. Why? One who dreams of being the Prime Minister should have patience. On the BJP-JD(U) divorce: It’s the BJP that is responsible for the breakdown of the coalition… The alliance was formed with JD(U) because they needed us then. Look at the language they’re using now. On Sunday’s serial blasts in Patna: I am very saddened by the event. No one can even think of this… I had told all police authorities to ensure that the Gandhi maidan should be sanitised…  I had told the Home Secretary that all security arrangements should be made for such a big rally. On prepoll surveys’ prediction of a landslide win for the BJP: “Vote surveys will keep coming out but it is only entertainment. It is all hype. It is a very big conspiracy.” On the BJP’s reference to Lord Ram No one party has a hold over Lord Ram and his ideology. Initially they spoke about Lord Rama in their party. Now they have also included Lord Krishna in their caste politics.