Murmu demands probe on conferring award on Arjun Munda

Jamshedpur, May 26 (UNI) Adivasi Adhikar Morcha's chief convener Salkhan Murmu today demanded an inquiry into the selection of Jharkhand chief minister Arjun Munda for ''Mother Teresa Millennium Award''.

The award, sponsored by All India Minorites and Weaker Sections Council (AIMWSC), would be given to Mr Munda for his contribution in the field of politics and social work.

Mr Munda is expected to receive the award at a function in Kolkata on June 24 along with former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, also the recipient of the award.

Stamping question marks on the selection of Mr Munda, Mr Murmu said it would be an insult to Mother Teresa if the award was given to the Chief Minister. He said Mr Munda's contribution in the field of politics and social service has been negative throughout his career.

Giving examples of Mr Munda's 'negative'contributions, the AAM leader alleged that the Chief Minsiter submitted fake caste certificate to the Election Commission during the then Bihar assembly elections in 1995 and 2000 for Kharsawan reserve seat (ST).

He said Mr Munda belonged to Patar Munda caste which was not included in the ST category and after formation of Jharkhand Patar Munda was incoroporated in the ST catergoy in 2002.

Mr Murmu also flayed Union Coal Minister and JMM supremo Sibu Soren for being dubbed as number one flop minister in the Manmohan Singh cabinet and said it was right time for Mr Soren to quit politics and pave the way for the formation of third front in Jharkhand.

The AAM leader said he was closely monitoring the movements ofBabulal Marandi and Stephen Marnadi and if they formed a third front the AAM would extend its conditional support to it.

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