The Hindu : Front Page : Lalu questions Nitish’s secularism

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Monday, Oct 29, 2007
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Lalu questions Nitish’s secularism

Special Correspondent

Accuses the Chief Minister of allowing the RSS to prosper in Bihar

Photo: Ranjeet Kumar

The Union Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad, addressing the “Chetavani Rally” in Patna on Sunday. –

PATNA: Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Sunday questioned Nitish Kumar continuing as Chief Minister with the support of the BJP, which “stood exposed” for its hand in the Gujarat riots.

Addressing his first rally as an Opposition leader after losing power in 2005, Mr. Prasad took a swipe at his detractors: “They said my base had vanished. Come and see where the masses stand. They are here and with me.”

Mr. Prasad said: “The people had given Mr. Kumar the power to rule the State as he had promised to set all things right within three months. He has failed utterly sitting on the lap of the BJP.”

He dared Mr. Kumar to demand the arrest of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the recent ‘revelations’ by Tehelka’s sting operation.

“If Mr. Kumar thinks that he is secular then he should tell the people if Mr. Modi should be arrested and sent to jail.”

Accusing Mr. Kumar of allowing the RSS to prosper in Bihar, he warned that the massacre in Gujarat was an attempt to divide Ram and Rahim and the country. The RJD during its rule had curbed such forces in the State and would strive to crush them irrespective of the cost.

Mr. Prasad spoke of his commitment to implement the Sachar Committee recommendations and accord the status of scheduled caste to Muslim Dalits. Mr. Prasad also promised to get the Constitution amended to provide 10 per cent reservation for the poor among the upper castes without disturbing the benefits to backward class and Dalits.

He alleged that the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government had failed on all fronts. “Jungle raj prevails with kidnappings rampant. Mr. Nitish Kumar says the law will take its own course. He has no hold on the government. The civil and police officials have run amok. Then why are you there? The government has lost its relevance.”

He called upon the people to be fearless. “The need is to resolve not to wait for five years but remove this anti-poor government at the earliest.”

Mr. Prasad also warned the State government for implicating his political rivals in false cases. He said the rally was an indication that like a good batsman he would hit Mr. Kumar for a six and send him outside the stadium.

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