Click to play videoPatna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been accused of covering up Rs 500 crore excise scam by his own Excise Minister Jamshed Ashraf.
The Rs 500 crore excise scam is the latest twist to the political infighting in the Bihar Janata Dal (United).
Excise Minister Jamshed Ashraf has alleged that a company owned by a senior JD(U) functionary close to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was awarded tenders for country liquor in four districts of the state breaking all rules.
Ashraf wrote a letter to Nitish on the alleged scam which has now become public. But the state government has denied all the charges.
"We do not award to any company, keeping in view its allegiance with somebody. I refute the allegation that someone close to Chief Minister is associated or this factor has been given weightage in granting the tender," says Principal Secretary, Excise Department, Aamir Subhani.
Ashraf also accuses officers close to the Chief Minister of covering up the scam which cost the state crores of rupees.
The Minister's outburst comes immediately after the resignation of Lallan Singh as JD(U) state chief and is seen by many as indication that he too is drifting towards the rebel camp, something which will give Nitish even more cause for worry.
"In a few days we will know what the truth is. I don't want to comment on anything right now. There is no one so powerful who can buy me," says Nitish.
Asraf is being seen as yet another defector of the JD(U) camp, joining the band of Lallan Singh, Prabhunath Singh and Shivanand Tiwari.
As Assembly elections draw near, strengthening of the defector's camp will only add to Nitish's worry.
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