RJD leader supports Marandi's decision to quit BJP

Ranchi, May 28 (UNI) Union Minister for Rural Development Raghubansh Prasad of the RJD today supported the move of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi to quit the BJP.

Talking to newsmen here, Mr Prasad underscored the need for unity among the Opposition parties in the state and criticised the BJP-led state NDA government for its failure to utilise the funds, allotted by the Centre under various schmes for rural development.

''The Centre is ready to extend full support and provide fund for the development works, but the state government had failed to utilise the allotted fund,'' he said.

Mr Prasad said the naxalite problem could be solved only if the rural areas were developed.

He also alleged that the head of the government was busy in trying to protect his chair.

Addressing the party workers here yesterday, the Minister also claimed that the fall of the Arjun Munda government was ''imminent''. ''The government will not survive for long. '' ''We are not going to topple the Munda government but it will fall under its own weight, '' he added.

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