George criticises JD(U) leadership

Patna, Sep 21 (UNI) Simmering differnces between the present JD(U) leadership and former party president George Fernandes came to the fore today when the latter dumped the former for alleged disregard to internal democracy and put the NDA government in Bihar in the dock for failing to fulfil people's aspirations.

The JD(U) leadership acted in an authoritarian manner giving a good bye to internal democracy when they declared the party's Chief Ministrial candidate in Uttar Pradesh without any consultation with the rank and file, he complained.

Adressing a function, organised here to mark the birth anniversary of former Bihar Chief Minister Bhola Paswan Shastri, Mr Fernandes alleged that the Nitish Kumar government had failed to improve the law and order situation, while corruption was on rise in government offices.

'' A major rank military officer has complained to me about the rising corruption in Bihar and there is no reason to disbelieve a Defence personnel, '' he maintained.

'' No major investment in Bihar could be expected unless there IS improvement in law and order situation, '' he observed and said guarantee to protection life and property was the precondition to any new venture in the state.

Referring to the reported announcemement of the Chief Ministerial candidate by the JD(U) in Uttar Pradesh, he said no one was taken into confidence about the vital decision, adding it was not a good sign for internal democracy in the party.

There was a move by some elements in the party to give tickets to the persons in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, who were responsible for Mumbai blast killing more than 100 people, he said adding this kind of affairs in the party would not be tolerated.

The JD(U) leader criticised the UPA government for keeping mum on military coup in Thailand, saying as a democratic country, India should have denounced such kind of event.

He said the situation was no better in Bangladesh and Myanamar where political leaders were not allowed to exercise their democratic rights.

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