Lalu has no moral right to take credit for Centre's relief package

Patna, Jun 13(UNI) The JD(U) today said Railway Minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad had no moral right to take credit for the Centre's relief package for the 1989 Bhagalpur riot victims, as he did not have any concern for them during his party's 15-year rule in Bihar.

National spokesman of the party Shivanand Tiwary told newspersons here that Mr Prasad did not take any pains to wipe out the tears of victims of one of the worst riot in post independence era as long as he and his wife Ms Rabri Devi remained at the helm of affairs in Bihar.

Moreover, Mr Prasad had vociferously opposed the move of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to constitute the N N Commision for fresh inquiry into the Bhagalpur riot and had branded it as an attempt by Mr Kumar to 'project' his secular face, he pointed out.

The statement of Mr Prasad that the Centre had sanctioned relief package on the basis of N N Singh commission's recommendation was itself ridiculus as the RJD supremo had opposed its constitution tooth and nail,Mr Tiwary said.

When asked about its political repercussion during next Lok Sabha elections, he admitted that decision might send good message of the UPA government among minorities but he was sure that they would lend their support to JD(U) on the basis of performance of Nitish Kumar government.

UNI KKS-RS KK RN1743