JD(U) to file PIL against Lalu for misuse of trains in rally

Patna, Oct 29: The JD(U) will file a PIL, seeking lawful action against Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, for misuse of trains in organising his party's rally here yesterday, causing losses of crores of rupees to the state exchequer. JD(U) national spokesman Shivanand Tiwari told newspersons here that to facilitate transportation of rallyists, Mr Prasad had changed rules for booking special trains, which resulted in losses of crores of rupees.

''The number of coaches to be attached to special trains was reduced from 18 to 15, resulting in losses of Rs 62,000, while lowering the detention charges caused losses of Rs 2,16,000,'' he said, adding the change in rules had resulted in loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 3,44,700 per special train.

''The RJD had booked 35 special trains, which caused a total losses of Rs 1,20,64,500 and it would run into losses of hundreds of crores of rupees during the peak season as several institutions, including colleges and schools hire special trains to enable students visit historical and tourist spots,'' Mr Tiwari added.

''As Railway Minister, it was totally unjustified to effect a change in rules for his party rally, which would cause loss of hundreds of crores of rupees at the national level during the coming days,'' he maintained.

The JD(U) would dash off a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow, urging him to take suitable action in this connection and ''if he failed'' to pay any heed, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition would be filed against Mr Prasad.

Mr Tiwari alleged that Mr Prasad had displayed stark vulgarisation of the political rally by organising obscene dances of bar girls to entertain the rallyists for which he should apologise.

UNI