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Wednesday, Apr 08, 2009
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Arjun: take legal action

Varanasi: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Tuesday denounced his Cabinet colleague and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad’s remarks that he would have crushed Varun Gandhi under a roller for his hate speech, saying they were typical of Mr. Prasad and favoured legal action against him if the statement fell under the purview of criminal law.

“Only Lalu can speak like this. What else can he speak, only such statements are expected of him,” Mr. Singh told PTI when asked to react to Mr. Prasad’s remarks.

Though admitting that such statements of Mr. Prasad (Mr. Prasad has since clarified the remarks saying he meant ‘roller of law’) would affect the prospects of the Congress in the Lok Sabha polls Mr. Singh avoided any direct comment on the issue.

However, when asked about the legal repercussions of Mr. Prasad’s statement, he said, “If the statement of Lalu Prasad comes under the purview of criminal law, legal action must be initiated against him.”

Turns emotional

While addressing an election rally at Ballia, the 78-year-old Congress stalwart refuted suggestions that he had been sidelined by his party after it denied ticket to his children.

He was campaigning for his party candidate from Salempur, Bhola Pandey, who is close to him.

“Bhola Pandey is also like my son, you [people] should ensure his victory,” an emotional Mr. Singh said, trying to control his tears. He was seen wiping his eyes several times.— PTI

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