"Coming from a person occupying the responsible post of a minister in a state the remark is deplorable and should be condemned by all. The remark should be withdrawn immediately and the minister should tender an unqualified apology to the people of Bihar," Kumar said.

He was reacting to the reported statement of Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik in which the minister had allegedly said that he was against the proposed introduction of a train from Patna to Panaji as ‘beggars from Bihar’ would start visiting the coastal state.

"Though the minister's unwarranted remark has not lowered our respect for the state or its people, it merits to be denounced and an apology from Naik should be in place. Biharis are not beggars, but have earned respect and status and done our state proud through sheer merit and hard work," Kumar said.