Speaker's criticism of Home Minister condemned by CPI(ML)

Ranchi, Jul 5 (UNI) The Jharkhand CPI(ML) today reacted strongly to Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari's criticism of state Home Minister Sudesh Mahto, saying it was ''unbecoming'' of the position he held.

''Mr Namdhari degraded the dignity of the Speaker's chair,''the party said.

Yesterday, the Speaker, at a public meeting at Chenpur of Jharkhand's Palamu district, openly criticised the Home Minister, alleging the latter was protecting criminals.

CPI(ML) state general secretary Subhendu Sen said Mr Namdhari's statement smacked of his obsession with the politics of Palamu as he represents Daltonganj Assembly seat of the district.

When anything came in terms of Palamu, the Speaker got so confused that he did not mind going to the extent of demeaning the prestige of the House,'' he claimed.

Whether the allegation held merit or not, the Speaker's statement was ''unparliamentary'' and served to create a political crisis in the state, he added.

Yesterday, the Speaker said the Minister instead of maintaining law and order situation, was ''inspiring'' anti-social elements in the state.

Mr Namdhari said Mr Mahto was putting pressure on senior officials to tranfer the officer-in-charge of Chenpur so that the Home Ministers' supporters could ''unleash terror'' unhindred in the area.

''I will not tolerate such misrule to continue in the area and I have told people to shed fear and lodge complaint with the police, '' Mr Namdhari added.

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