Opposition demands CM's resignation

Patna, Jan 04 (UNI) The opposition in Bihar today demanded resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in wake of adverse observations against state government by the Patna High Court.

In its judgement the Court quashed the allotment order giving several plots to noted film producer Prakash Jha for construction of shopping complex and malls.

The opposition also threatened to file case against the chief minister under the Prevention of Corruption Act if he failed to resign.

Addressing a press conference, citing the observations of the court, spokesman of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee(BPCC) P K Mishra said Mr Kumar, who is also holding the portfolio of law department could not shirk his responsibility in this case.

''During the pendency of the case in Patna High Court, the chief minister had claimed that he had thoroughly studied the related files and nothing irregularities were committed in allotment of land to Mr Jha'' he said adding Mr Kumar tried to mislead the people on the issue.

''The quashing of the land allotment order of state government had vindicated the stand of the opposition on the issue'' he maintained.

He said that several top officers of the state industries department, Bihar Industrial Development Authority(BIADA), and state law department were involved in this case as they had made obesrvation in the related files favouring a particular person flouting established rules and regulations in this connection.

''The chief minister also comes under the purview of the various sections of Prevention of Corruption Act'' he added.

While speaking on the occasion, national general secretary of RJD Shyam Rajak said that exercising rights given under Information Act, he had sought copies of all the related files and documents of the land allotment from the state government. He said that cases against the chief minister and erring officers would be lodged after receipt of the copies of related documents.

State Samta Party president P K Sinha said that Mr Jha was allotted a plot of land in Aurangabad without any formal application from him in this connection.

UNI