This Article is From Oct 27, 2015

For 'Grand Alliance' in Bihar, a '3 Idiots' Jibe From PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi was addressing an election rally a day before Bihar votes in the third phase of polling.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in an earlier election speech compared the Nitish Kumar led "grand alliance" in Bihar to popular reality show Bigg Boss. Today he all but called its constituents the "3 Idiots," borrowing from the title of a Bollywood blockbuster.

Addressing an election rally a day before the state votes in the third phase of polling, PM Modi brought up a parody used by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to accuse him of not keeping poll promises.

"I know there are three partners in the grand alliance - the Congress, RJD and JD(U) - and I wonder why Nitish Babu chose a song from the film "Three Idiots" for his first Mushaira. "Why did you think of the Three Idiots," he asked.

"What entertainment Nitish Babu...Practise it, perfect it, you will get many opportunities after November 8 (when votes are counted). You can then sing at leisure then," said PM Modi, whose party was dumped by Mr Kumar two years ago after 18 years of partnership.

The gloves came off early in the battle for Bihar, which has seen both Nitish Kumar's alliance and PM Modi's BJP hurl bitter words and allegations at the other. Mr Kumar and the PM, political rivals for years, have fronted these attacks, pulling no punches.

To Mr Kumar's appeal to the state to vote for a "Bihari" and not a "Bahari (outsider)" PM Modi said at another election rally today, "Can the Prime Minister be called a "baahari"? Doesn't he represent and love all states the same?"

And added, "Who is responsible for making the state's youth "baahari" by sending them outside the state for employment opportunities? Nitish and Lalu are."

Mr Kumar's "bahaari" jibe alludes to the BJP choosing not to field a chief ministerial candidate in Bihar and seeking votes for PM Modi and his development agenda. Nitish Kumar is seeking a third straight term as chief minister and has in that pursuit joined hands with Lalu Prasad of the RJD, once a arch rival, and the Congress.
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