Governor returns Bill, jolt to Munda government

Ranchi, June 5 (UNI) In a significant development related to the office of profit issue, Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi today returned the Prevention of Disqualification Bill 2006, passed by the state assembly, to the state government for reconsideration.

According to a Raj Bhawan communique released here this evening, the Governor returned the Bill to the state government with a message and remarks and a request to reconsider the Bill. ''The move is in accordance with the powers vested in him under Article 200 of Constitution,'' the communique said.

This move of the Governor within a few days of a similar move by President A P J Abdul Kalam regarding a similar Bill passed by Parliament to provide relief to several politicians in the office of profit issue, is being seen as a setback for the Arjun Munda government in the state.

In Jharkhand altogether 18 MLAs, including Mr Munda himself and several others from ruling BJP, are facing complaints for holding various offices of profit.

The 82 membered state assembly passed the Prevention of Disqualification Bill 2006 during the Budget session of the assembly in March.

Subsequently it was sent to the Governor for his approval and was since pending. Earlier, the Election Commission had issued notices to Mr Munda and many other MLAs in this regard asking them to file a reply.

UNI RAJ TJP VD PM1954