Politicos react on resignation by Bihar minister over ‘bribery’ video

The BJP-led Opposition has latched on to the opportunity to counter Nitish Kumar’s claims of good governance and corruption free rule.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday “suspended” cabinet minister Awadhesh Kushwaha after a video allegedly showing him receiving money from a businessman.

Kushwaha said he would come clear as he has done a lot of work in the past five years and his opponents will not be successful in their attempt to tarnish his image. “Allegations against me are serious and I want the truth to come out as soon as possible”, Kushwaha said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said that the resignation of Bihar Urban Development and Housing Minister Awadhesh Kushwaha over graft charges exposes Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s tall claims about fighting corruption. The party would announce the new candidate in a couple of days.JD(U) national president Sharad Yadav said, “We called a meeting just after we knew about the case”.

The video sting shows Kushwaha accepting Rs 4 lakhs as bribe from a businessman to promote his business interest after JD (U) was voted to power in Bihar assembly elections.

“On one hand you’re taking action agnst Kushwaha and on other you’ve joined hand with a person who has been convicted in fodder scam. If Nitish has any morality left then he should ask CBI to probe the matter”, he added.