Crackers will burst in Pakistan if BJP loses Bihar: Amit Shah

While campaigning for the fourth phase of the Assembly elections in Bihar, BJP president Amit Shah courted controversy by saying “Agar Bihar mein BJP haarti hai to Pakistan mein patakhe phutengey (crackers will burst in Pakistan if BJP loses in Bihar).”

The statement was far too “offensive and communal” for the leaders of Grand Secular Alliance. Reacting sharply on the issue, JD(U) spokesperson Ajay Alok while talking to this newspaper said, “It seems that they have accepted their defeat already. We are winning and due to frustration they are trying communalise the political atmosphere, we will celebrate a grand Diwali in Bihar this year.”

Mr Shah made this hard-hitting controversial statement while addressing a political rally in Raxaul on Thursday. There are also reports that leaders of the Grand Secular Alliance are planning to approach the Election Commission on the issue with a demand to keep Mr Shah away from campaigning in Bihar.

According to JD(U) leaders, Mr Shah has made several remarks which could be termed as communal. Mr Shah, who is on campaign blitzkrieg addressing series of political rallies also addressed a public meeting in Siwan on Thursday where he attacked Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav on the issue of jungle raj.

“Mohammed Shahabuddin will be happier than Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav if the Grand Secular Alliance comes to power in Bihar, you have to decide what you want atank raj or vikas raj (jungle raj or development),” the BJP president said.

Mr Shah made these concerted attack referring to Mohammed Shahabuddin, a former RJD MP serving jail term after he was found guilty in a case of kidnapping with an intent to murder.

Polling for the fourth phase for 55 seats, which also includes Siwan and Raxaul, is to be held on November 1.