Munda justifies motion against Koda govt,silent on BJP rebels

Ranchi, Dec 20 (UNI) The BJP, embarrassed by the absence of a few party legislators during Tuesday's no confidence motion against UPA-backed Madhu Koda government despite a whip, today avoided a direct reply saying it was mainly aimed at exposing the ''misdeeds'' of those in power.

Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Arjun Munda informed a news conference here that they knew that the Opposition lacked the required number to oust the government but moved the motion to unmask the ''dual'' policies of the Congress, providing outside support to the Koda government.

Mr Munda highlighted Mr Koda's 'failure', he, however, reacted cautiously to his party legislators' defiance of the whip.

Mr Karia Munda, Mr Manoj Tekriwal and Mr Tala Marandi (all BJP MLAs) were absent when the motion was taken up for voting on December 18.

The former Chief Minister only said the matter would be discussed at an appropriate level of the BJP.

Mr Munda said the recently concluded winter session with only three days alloted for House business provoked them to move the motion as many important issues would not have come up for discussion which could be raised during the seven-hour long debate.

He charged the Congress with maintaining a double standard as it criticised the Madhu Koda government outside but executed a volte face in the House.

''The Congress ultimatum of two months to Mr Koda was simply an eyewash...now the party says their priority is not to oust the government but put pressure on the chief minister to perform,'' Mr Munda said.

UNI