'BJP Didn't Let Nitish Kumar Speak': Congress Takes Swipe At NDA Over '26-Second' Bihar Manifesto Launch Presser

The Congress on Friday launched a scathing attack on NDA leaders, accusing them of not allowing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to speak at the press conference release of the NDA's joint manifesto for the state assembly elections.

Speaking to the media, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot called it 'an insult to Bihar and Biharis'. He said that the NDA's manifesto release programme lasted only '26 seconds', as the leaders were afraid of facing questions from journalists about their 20-year rule.

"The NDA leaders came to the press conference which lasted merely 26 seconds. They were afraid to face questions from journalists on the manifesto, as well as on their governance," Gehlot said.

Gehlot asked whether he was "not in a position" to speak about it. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, who was also present at Gehlot's press briefing, said, "Nitish Kumar was not allowed to speak on the manifesto. It was disrespect for Bihar and Biharis."

ALSO READ: NDA vs Mahagathbandhan Manifesto Comparison: A Look At How Parties Rush To Win Bihar Voters' Trust With Big Promises

CM Nitish, his deputy Samrat Choudhary, BJP president JP Nadda, Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan and other 'Bihar Ka Sankalp Patra'.

All of them, except Samrat Choudhary, left the venue after the launch. Choudhary answered a few questions from journalists. Before the leaders left, an announcement was made from the dais that they had poll-related engagements.

ALSO READ: 1 Crore Jobs, Metro In 4 Cities And More: NDA Goes Big With Poll Promises For Bihar Assembly Election | Complete Manifesto

Before the leaders left, an announcement was made from the dais that they had poll-related engagements. The NDA has made a slew of promises in its manifesto, including 1 crore jobs, medical colleges and skill centres in each district, metro in four cities, seven expressways, and 10 lakh to EBCs, among others.