PM slams Nitish Kumar, plays development card

The Battle for Bihar gains momentum with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attacking Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the battlezone. He blames the state government for misusing funds provided by the Centre.

Its a battle for credit in Bihar at an election rally in Narpatganj, in Araria district, the Prime Minister accused Bihar Chief Minister of not giving credit where its due by usurping the central funds.

"We have crores of rupees for Bihar's development, but sadly the money has not reached to the people," said the Prime Minister. The Congress strategy is to use the development card to break Nitish's claim of bringing change and development in the state.

Like Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, it is Nitish Kumar who has used the development issue to success and the Congress wants to counter the matter. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi too had countered the Nitish's claim on progress- not that Nitish is taking it lying down.

"Money is all that the Congress leaders talk about. I want to ask what money has been given to Bihar that was also not given to other states," said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

But development apart it's a fight for the minority votebank in the state. Rahul had questioned the JD(U)-BJP alliance, On Saturday, the PM accused Nitish of neglecting the minorities.

Before the PM, Rahul Gandhi too had come to Bihar. His theme was the same too - Nitish not good for the 'aam Bihari'.

Bihar election is seen as a litmus test for Rahul's ability to attract votes - not willing to take risks. However, the Congress has lined up film stars on the campaign trail.