Patna,(BiharTimes): Senior Janata Dal (United) leader Shivanand Tiwari on Friday once again said that BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, is a ‘potent force’ and can not just be wished away.

However, at the same time he said that Modi is intellectually bankrupt, who has no idea of history, geography and economics of the country.

His remarks came over a fortnight after his October 29 Chintan Shivir speech in Rajgir in which he strongly flayed his party ledership, particularly the chief minister, Nitish Kumar.

But Shivanand came down heavily on Modi too and said that he has no knowledge whatsoever of history and that too of his own party, thus he is not fit enough to lead India.

He was referring to Modi mistaking freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Verma with founding leader of Jan Sangh, the earlier version of BJP, Shyama Prasad Mookherjee during a speech recently. A slip of tongue can take place only once or twice, but not so many times in the entire speech.

Tiwari regretted that BJP has nominated a leader for the prime minister’s post who does not understand economics, history and geography of the country, not to speak of the world.

Tiwari said a prime ministerial candidate must have a perspective on tackling Maoist insurgency, the problem of terrorism and relationship with China and Pakistan. Besides, he should have his own view on resolving serious political and economic issues.

He wondered as to why the BJP’s PM candidate is not spoking on inflation, falling value of rupee, price rise and declining foreign investment during.

He accused Modi of lowering the standard of debate and wants to address all problems with use of brute force.