Nitish Kumar criticises I-T surveys on BBC premises, rejection of demand for probe into Adani Group

The JD(U) leader criticised the brusque manner in which the demand for a JPC probe into allegations against the Adani Group has been rejected by the Centre

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday said the Income Tax department's surveys on BBC premises in Delhi and Mumbai were a "clear cut" indication of the Narendra Modi government's intolerance of criticism.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Patna, the JD(U) leader also criticised the brusque manner in which the demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into allegations against the Adani Group has been rejected by the Centre, pointing out that this was unlike the Vajpayee era when voice of the Opposition was given a patient hearing.

"I had been busy with my Samadhan Yatra all these days. But I read something about it (I-T raids) in newspapers. I will try to learn about it in more detail," Mr. Kumar said in reply to a question on the action against the international broadcaster.

When his attention was drawn to the fact that the I-T department's survey has come shortly after a documentary produced by the BBC, on the Gujarat riots, raised the hackles of the Modi government which has banned its telecast across the country, Mr. Kumar responded with a wry smile.

Editorial | Brazen intimidation: On the tax survey on the BBC

"They (the BBC) have such a wide network. They have been everywhere for so long. If the action (IT raids) is a result of their work, then it is a clear indication that these people (the ruling dispensation) can brook no criticism," said Mr. Kumar, who had dumped the BJP nearly six months ago.

He also claimed, "I have never had any problems with any adverse media coverage. I believe in doing my job. For us, it is the people who are supreme (Janata maalik hai)."