Patna: Railway Minister Nitish Kumar on October 22 brushed aside accusations
bestowing undue favour to his party colleagues in awarding railway contracts and
said that he would quit politics if the allegations were proved.
"Not to talk about holding the Railway Ministry. I am also ready to resign from
politics if anyone shows up an evidence that my office has bestowed undue favour for
anybody in awarding tenders," Kumar told reporters while replying to questions on
alleged irregularities in awarding the contracts.
Taking a dig at his political opponents, particularly Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
leader Laloo Prasad Yadav, for allegedly indulging in vilification campaign against
him, Kumar said, "My political career is transparent. I am honest to the core of my
heart and will remain so all through."
Those who had looted the state exchequer were alleging that the railway minister had
nexus with criminals, he said, adding that people of Bihar were well aware of it.
"Give me a specific example of irregularity. I will hand over the charge of inquiry
into it to CBI," Kumar said, adding much transparency was being maintained on award
of contracts.
Admitting that reputed firms were scared to bid for railway contracts in Bihar
because of the law and order situation, Kumar said effective steps were being taken
to ensure complete fairness in bidding.
A new system was also being introduced to circulate the tender documents on
Internet. Interested firms or persons might download the same and fill up the
tenders papers and sent them to concerned offices by post, he said.
Nitish also ruled out mid-term review of passengers fare in the wake of
recent hike in the prices of diesel.
"There is no chance of reviewing the fare structure at this stage,"
Kumar told reporters.
The hike of prices of petrol and diesel is linked with international
market and the railway is prepared to meet such ups and downs without
giving any load on passengers, he said.
Around Rs 4,000 crore was normally spent in a year by the railways on
purchase of diesel.
PTI
