Patna, Jan 4 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Sunday courted another controversy Sunday by supporting the Maoists' levy from contractors and businessmen.

"There is nothing wrong if Maoists are demanding levy from contractors engaged in construction of roads,bridge and building and businessmen," he said.

He recalled that some time back when he asked three Maoists why they are demanding a levy from contractors and businessmen and torching the vehicles and equipment if not paid, they told him that contractors are looting public exchequer by submitting estimates that more than four to five time the original cost of construction and if they were "demanding levy for smooth work, what is wrong with it?"

Manjhi said that if contractors and businessmen are minting money by wrong means, Maoists are not wrong in demanding a levy from them on this ground.