Assault on scribes augurs unwell for Nitish govt : Paswan

Patna, Nov 3 (UNI) Steel and Fertiliser Minister Ramvilas Paswan today termed the assault on scribes by ruling JD(U) MLA Anant Singh ''an attack on democracy,'' saying it did not augur well for the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar.

Launching a scathing attack on the NDA for its failure to protect rights of media, the fourth pillar of democracy, Mr Paswan told mediapersons here that the law and order situation had deteriorated to an alarming level and an anarchy-like situation was prevailing in the state.

'' Any democratically elected government, which fails to protect the rights of media and scribes, become vulnerable to attacks by the criminal elements, '' he said, adding that the incident signalled that the days of the government were numbered.

Mr Paswan expressed pleasure over the success of ''Bihar Bandh'' and said it was supported by all political parties and masses in the state.

'' The Nitish Kumar government is surviving on the support of MLAs having criminal antecedents and it is now helpless to take strict action against them. '' he said.

Mr Paswan reiterated that Manmohan Singh-led UPA government at the Centre would complete its full term notwithstanding its differences with the Left over nuclear deal between India and the US, saying the issue could be sorted through dialogues.

He said his party would organise a rally here on November 28 to take a pledge to oust the Nitish Kumar government from power for its failure on all fronts.

UNI