Shahnawaz Hussain takes on Lalu, Nitish ahead of key Bihar polls

If Lalu Prasad Yadav keeps the political theatre in Bihar alive with his characteristic rustic humour, sarcasm and pun against political rivals, the latter is gearing up to give him a taste of his own medicine as the state readies for polls in September–October. Adding spice to the political debate is senior BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain who on Thursday took a jibe at chief minister Nitish Kumar calling him “Nitish Prasad” for allying with Lalu whose “jungle raj” he had once set out to end.

“Nitish Kumar has borrowed surname of RJD chief Lalu Prasad and he should be called Nitish Prasad,” said Hussain at a session of HT Unplugged.

“The huge cutouts of Nitish Kumar put up across Bihar does not carry Lalus’ picture. The CM wants Lalu’s vote but not his face,” he said.

The BJP leader did not see Prashant Kishore – who conceived the Chai Pe Charcha and other campaign strategies for the BJP in the last Lok Sabha elections – making much impact on the ruling combine’s poll prospects.

“A cook who can prepare delicious non-vegetarian food may not do similar wonders if asked to prepare vegetarian dishes,” the BJP leader quipped.

Hussain insisted that Nitish and Prasad have come together for the sake of Muslim vote, which may disappoint them this time. “Khuda se darne walon ko inhonhe Bhajpa ke naam se daraya hai (those who are scared only of god have been scared in the name of BJP by these people). They come to our religious places with Chadar and pretend as if they have obliged the community,” he said.

Courtesy: Hindustan Times