Protest pick up against Speaker's decision on issuing notice

Ranchi, Sep 7 (UNI) Protests against Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari's issuing notice to three MLAs under anti-defection law today picked up with the opposition UPA taking to the streets burning effigy of the Speaker, saying the decision was not apt before a trial of strength.

The UPA today held an emergency meeting to discuss the development and took a protest rally.

The UPA would hold a special meeting tomorrow to chalk out strategies following the NDA's decision to seek vote of confidence on September 14.

On the other hand, asserting theat the minority BJP-led NDA government should not be given a chance for a floor test, Jharkhand Vikash Morcha President and Former Chief Minister Babulala Marandi today accused Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari of trying to save the minority BJP-led NDA government.

Mr Marandi, a BJP deserter, said the Governor should instead dismiss the Munda government adding the Supreme Court's verdict on Bommai case was not necessarily required to be followed in this regard.

Addressing a press conference, he alleged that the Munda government, which lost majority after four ministers resigned on September five, was now indulging in horse trading to muster support.

He apprehended that the MLAs from the opposition MLAs might not be allowed to reach the House on the day of trial of strength.

Reacting to the Speaker's notice to the three legislators, he wondered why it took a-year-and-a-half to find the fault and termed the action as a " move to kill democracy".

He said with the resigantion the NDA stood at 39 in the house of 82 and Mr Munda was claiming that he had the support of 47 MLAs, but the Chief Minister should clarify from where he had got the extra eight in his kitty.

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