Cracks in Bihar NDA? Upendra Kushwaha Says Some Elements Want to Stall PM Modi's Re-Election in 2019
Kushwaha said the group which wants to create tensions within the NDA was responsible for raising hue and cry over his kheer analogy.
Patna, Aug 31: Days after his 'kheer remark' caused stir in Bihar politics, Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha on Friday said "some elements" in the NDA want to stall Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election in 2019.
Kushwaha said the group which wants to create tensions within the NDA was responsible for raising hue and cry over his kheer analogy. "They are the ones who are internally plotting against PM Modi as they don't want to see him winning again in 2019," he said.
Kushwaha, who heads the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), had sent shockwaves within the NDA camp on Saturday by saying that the milk from Yadavs -- a stronghold of RJD -- and rice from Koeris -- the community he represents -- would make an "excellent kheer".
His remarks gave an indication that the RLSP chief is considering to quit the NDA and join the Grand Alliance in Bihar, comprising of the RJD and the Congress.
Kushwaha clarified his remarks saying that "milk from Yadavs" should not be interpreted as a feeler sent to the RJD camp. Instead, the RLSP chief claimed that he is aiming to unite all castes and communities from his kheer remarks.
From September 25, he added, the RLSP would be conducting paigam-e-kheer programme in Bihar, where the message would be to prepare kheer from the milk supplied by Yadavs, rice from Koeris, sugar by Brahmin, tulsi by Dalits, dry fruits by MBCs and a dastarkhwan for dining prepared by the Muslims.
The intention of paigam-e-kheer is to galvanise voters in favour of the RLSP and NDA, Kushwaha said, adding that his party has always stood for "communal harmony".
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2018 08:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).