Bihar CM Nitish Kumar apologises in state Assembly

The opposition, however, demanded his resignation.

Amid pandemonium created by the BJP members over his crude remarks, Nitish Kumar, offering his apology, said that he was withdrawing his statement if it had hurt anyone.

"I condemn myself, I am ashamed, I regret, I am expressing my grief," said Nitish Kumar while drawing his words.

Accusing Nitish Kumar of tarnishing the dignity of the house and humiliating the sentiments of the entire women community through his statement the opposition members were agitating in the well of the lower house demanding resignation from the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhari, amid noisy scenes, said that it is the nobility of the Chief Minister that he has condemned himself. He said no chief minister to date has condemned himself to such an extent.

Nitish Kumar said that if there is any objection to any of his words he was taking it back.

Meanwhile, the speaker asked to note down the names of the BJP members taking out tables and chairs and announced to take action against such members.

Failing to bring the house in order, the speaker adjoined it till lunch.

Earlier as the house assembled for the day, the BJP members started shouting over yesterday's remark of the chief minister.

The leader of the opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha said that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ashamed the entire house with his unparliamentary remarks and conduct.

All of the women members, including that of the ruling party felt humiliated, he said.

Sinha said Nitish Kumar has become a mental case and a psycho person cannot handle the coveted post of chief minister.

He demanded resignation from the chief minister.

Meanwhile waving placards the entire BJP members trooped to the well and shouted slogans at the top of their voice from there.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also requested the BJP members to take their seats as he was ready to apologize and give an explanation.

The BJP members, however, continued to create noise to which the speaker said that it appears the opposition do not believe in democracy.

The leader of the opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha said that the chief minister and the deputy Chief minister both were imparting knowledge about sex.

He said because of his old age the chief minister has lost his memory and was not even eligible to remain in power. Sinha said the Chief Minister was spreading caste hatred and humiliating women." We are not ready to accept such a chief minister," he said.

To this the speaker reminded the leader of the position that he has no right to demand resignation from the chief minister till people have expressed their confidence in him.

The chief minister reiterated that he has already explained everything in the media and said that all decisions were taken yesterday unanimously.

He further said that following education among women the fertility rate has gone down in Bihar during the past 6 years.

He said if the girl matriculated the fertility rate was found to be two percent and when the girl is educated above the matriculation level the fertility rate in Bihar was found to be 1.6%. Kumar said realising the fact he stressed on women education.

The Chief Minister said that he was working in the interest of women.

Appreciating his efforts and achievements the Chief Minister said that the reservation limit has been increased from 50 to 65% and the decision was taken unanimously on Tuesday.

"I have done such a good job," said Nitish Kumar and added that all work has been done in the interest of the state.

The chief minister reiterated to withdraw his remarks if it was objectionable and humiliated anyone.

(With UNI inputs)