Bihar CM demands apology from Goa Minister on Bihari remark
20 Aug 2008, 1823 Hrs

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Patna, August 20 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday demanded an apology from a Goa Minister for his remark that there will be more beggars in the coastal state if trains linking it to Patna are introduced.

Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik on Tuesday made the remark, which triggered an outrage in Bihar.

Nitish said the remark had hurt the sentiments of the people of Bihar.

"Coming from a person occupying the responsible post of a minister in a state the remark is deplorable and should be condemned by all. The remark should be withdrawn immediately and the minister should tender an unqualified apology to the people of Bihar," Nitish said while denouncing anti-Bihari remarks.

Naik reportedly opposing the proposed introduction of a train from Patna to Panaji, said it would create a problem as "beggars from Bihar" will start visiting Goa.

"Though the minister's unwarranted remark has not lowered our respect for the state or its people, it merits to be denounced and an apology from Naik would be in place. Biharis are not beggars, but have earned respect and status and done our state proud through sheer merit and hard work," Nitish added.

The Bihar CM also demanded the Congress, the party to which Naik belongs to clarify the situation.

Reportedly, Naik had made the remarks during the discussion in the ongoing Goa Legislative Assembly session. (ANI)