Shah lauds Nitish for supporting drive

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday lauded Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a one-time loyal ally who turned a bitter foe, for his support to demonetisation, the first time that the party leadership has publicly appreciated the JD(U) chief's stand.

"I publicly commend Nitish Kumar for the support he has given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fight against black money and corruption," Shah said at a public meeting with party the acknowledging Kumar's attempts to steer clear of the opposition's attempts to close ranks against the Centre over the issue. 

"He first supported demonetisation. He on Saturday made it clear that JD(U) is not supporting 'Bharat bandh' call given by some parties. We also acknowledge his support to the GST bill," a party leader said. BJP, he said, also appreciates Nitish Kumar government's efforts in getting bail of high-profile accused, some linked to ally RJD, cancelled by moving to the Supreme Court.

Incidentally, Shah had parried a query over Kumar's support to demonetisation in a press conference the BJP chief had held immediately after PM Narendra Modi's announcement in this regard.