Patna,(BiharTimes): While presenting his report card to mark the completion of eight years in the office chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday took extra care to highlight the achievements made by his government in the last six months––especially after the June 16 split with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He did make reference to the developments made in the last eight years but he repeatedly pointed out to the achievements made recently to counter the BJP’s claim that the law and order had collapsed and inertia had gripped the state machinery after June 16.

Be it the opening of medical colleges in Pawapuri and Bettiah, or the steps taken in the power, infrastructure, education, agriculture and other sectors the chief minister went on to highlight the long list of achievements made in the recent months.

In this regard he made special reference to the laying of foundation stone of Ganga Expressway last month, the announcement of construction of bridges on rivers Sone and Gandak made on August 15, the inauguration of a power plant, steps taken to fight drought etc.

He recalled the efforts made to start classes in medical college of Bettiah from this academic calendar after the Medical Council of India had earlier rejected its approval.

Later while fielding questions from the media he denied that of late he is under pressure and that he is uncomfortable and that the work culture in the state has suffered because he had 18 portfolios to look after.

He asked the journalists as to why are they so much bothered about so many departments held by him. “Please look around in the vicinity of Bihar and elsewhere and see to it as to how many portfolios the other chief ministers are holding. By that criteria I should have some more,” he added.

By saying so he was obviously hitting out at the BJP and was indirectly hinting at the portfolios held by the CMs of the saffron party.

“I do not want comfort. I get comfort only when the people of the state are satisfied,” he said.

He condemned the serial blasts but went to claim as to how quickly the case of Patna serial blasts was solved even before the matter was handed over to the NIA. However, he went on to add that terrorists have struck elsewhere in the country too, even in the BJP ruled states.

He said maintaining social and communal harmony is a big challenge and added that the people of the state are alert of it.

However, if any such situation arises “we are fully prepared of it. Anyone who would try to disturb the harmony would be dealt with it severely.”
To a pointed question whether he is missing Sushil Modi by his side on this occasion he replied in politics such things do happen.