Union Minister Ashwini Choubey blames 'Nakshatra' for Bihar floods

Even as the flood situation worsens in Bihar, the parties in power in the state and the Centre continue to make a mockery out of people's condition. On Sunday, CM Nitish Kumar callously called the floods a 'natural calamity'. The BJP whose ally is JD(U) at the Centre and the state has defended the administration. Now, BJP leader Ashwini Choubey has added salt to the wounds, blaming the floods to the stars.

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BJP Minister's shocking statement on Bihar floods

Union Minister Ashwini Choubey on Monday said that the heavy rains in Bihar have been occurring due to the constellation 'Hathiya'. "Since the past few days, it's raining very heavily in Bihar. Sometimes, it is due to Hathiya Nakshatra which causes very heavy rains in Bihar and now it has taken a form of the natural disaster. People are surrounded by water in the state capital Patna. We are monitoring the situation closely," he said.

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Death toll rises to 29

The floods in Bihar has led to the deaths of 29 people. The state has witnessed incessant rainfall and flood in various regions. The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority has said that 29 people have died so far owing to the heavy rainfall and waterlogging. The India Meteorological Department has said that the capital Patna will receive more rainfall for the next few days accompanied by thunderstorms. 

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BJP deflects questions on Bihar govt's accountability

BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad deflected questions raised against the state government's inability to provide timely help and mitigate the situation. When asked about the failure of Bihar government in handling the situation, he said that the time is not right for criticism. He said that he is monitoring the situation closely. He also said that the state and the Centre are working together to bring in help in Bihar.

"This is not the time to criticise. I stand with the people of Patna. The government is working for the people, the Centre is also helping. We are jointly working on the solution. I asked the Union Minister to open flood gates. I have also arranged for two helicopters. One has already reached,  another one will also reach here. We have asked Coal India to send large pumps to remove the floodwater," the BJP leader said. 

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