BJP-led NDA govt receives a major setback

Ranchi, Mar 24 (UNI) The BJP-led NDA government in Jharkhand faces a danger of losing its majority as Governor Syed Sibtey Razi has recommended disqualification of four ruling Legislators to the Election Commission for holding offices of profit.

A Raj Bhawan spokesperson said here today the Governor had received memoranda demanding disqualification of some members of the Assembly for holding offices of profit and referred the matter to the Election Commission.

The Governor had taken the decision under Article 192 of the Constitution.

A delegation of Opposition UPA met the Governor on March 22 at Raj Bhawan and submitted a memorandum demanding the disqualification of four ruling NDA Legislators, holding offices of profit.

Mr Chatruram Mahto, Mr Karia Munda, Mr Saryu Roy (all BJP) and Mr Kheeru Mahto (JD-U) were said to be the four ruling party MLAs facing the above charges.

On the other hand, Speaker Indersingh Namdhari adjourned the ongoing budget session abruptly after passing the amended Legislature Removal Disqualification Bill, 2006.

The session was seheduled to continue till March 29.

The NDA is having 43 members in a House of 82.

If the four members are disqualified, the strength of the NDA would reduce to minority.

Eds: Here pick up suitably from earlier series.

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