JD(U) ridicules secular credential of Lalu

Patna, Nov 3 (UNI) The JD(U) today ridiculed the secular credential of RJD chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and alleged that he had never cared for protecting the interests of minorities.

JD(U) spokesman Shivanand Tiwari told newsperson here that Mr Prasad had done nothing to provide succour to Bhagalpur riot victims and most of them were even denied compensation, announced by the state government.

Moreover, the main accused of Bhagalpur riot was allowed to go scot free during the Lalu-Rabri regime, healleged.

" Soon after assuming power, the NDA government had constituted Justice N N Singh Commission to probe the Bhagalpur riot afresh to ensure conviction of those, who skipped the dragnet of law due to lack of evidence, which was the result of poor invetigation by police, " he stated.

After receipt of interim report of the justice N N Singh Commission, the Chief Minister convened Cabinet within two hours and approved for implementation of recommendations on compensation to Bhaglpur riot victims, Mr Tiwari said adding they were not given due financial assistance during the Lalu-Rabri regime.

" Soon the victims will be given Rs 2500 per month as pension besides Rs one lakh which had already been paid to the next of the kin of those killed during Bhagalpur riot, " he stated.

Former chairman of RJD's minority cell Javed Mehmood joined the JD(U) and pledged to stregthen the party.

He allewged that Mr Prasad was losing his secular credential, and the minorities would not be misguided any more.

UNI