India, Jan. 16 -- In Bihar, all legislators are equal, but some are more equal than others. The state's cabinet has approved a policy allowing cabinet ministers, senior legislators and key assembly functionaries to maintain two official residences, with the payment of a very nominal rent for the second.

Opposition leaders have criticised the policy of the Nitish Kumar government, dubbing it as unethical, inappropriate and uncalled for. State Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Manganl Lal Mandal wondered why ministers required two residences.

Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) spokesman Asit Nath Tiwari said that houses with a rent of lakhs are being given to leaders for just Rs.1,700 a month. "This is Nitish's version of socialis...