Tejaswi projects Nitish as PM candidate for 2019 general election

18 March, Patna

In an apparent projection of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as Prime Ministerial candidate, his deputy, Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, Saturday said only a leader from Bihar would defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Amid all round clamour for a strong alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi post SP-Congress rout in Uttar Pradesh asembly poll, Mr Yadav said Mr Kumar was the most formidable leader to lead opposition in taking on PM Mr Modi in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Yadav, in a spirited reply to the debate on budgetary demand of road construction department for financial year 2017-18 during the post lunch session in the state assembly, said a leader from the state could alone stop BJP juggernaut.

Incidentally Mr Yadav, made the politically sensitive remark, minutes after Chief Minister Mr Kumar entered the house towards the fag end of the post lunch session.

The House was adjourned till Monday after Yadav concluded his reply within minutes of his remark being seen in political circles as a reconciliatory one in the aftermath of strained relation between RJD and JD(U).

Earlier, Yadav making reply on budgetary demand of road construction department, said that dedicated express way would be constructed from Bihta to enable the passengers to reach Patna as civil aviation ministry has approved a proposal for developing an Airport at Bihta for civil use.