Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has sparked another controversy after he claimed that contractors and technocrats in the state bribe ministers and politicians for clearance of several projects.
Addressing a meeting of teachers in Patna yesterday, the Chief Minister said that contactors and engineers in the state produce fake estimates before the ministers which are much more than the original value of the project.
“Contractors and corrupt engineers produce fake vouchers in the name of constructing bridges... For a project worth Rs 2 crore, they make an estimate of Rs 100 crore. When I came here (become CM), I stopped such practises.... now they are mounting pressure on me... they are removing me. A pillar of a bridge here costs more than the total value of the project. It is not like I am against the construction of bridges... I am just saying this should not happen. Corrupt engineers paid several ministers and part of it was given me as well. I vow that I will not accept such money here onwards and will stop this completely. This money will be used for the welfare of teachers,” he said.
Manjhi's remarks came in the backdrop of ongoing tussle between him and his mentor Nitish Kumar.
Manjhi was recently expelled from the party after he refused to step down from top post, paving way for former CM and senior JD(U) leader Nitish's anointment.
Manjhi was hand-picked by Nitish to replace him as Chief Minister last year following the JD-U's rout in the Lok Sabha.
