RJD to move EC against MNS, RRB exam to be held again: Lalu

New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today said the Rashtriya Janata Dal would move the Election Commission to reject the recognition of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena for attacking North Indians appearing for the Railway Recruitment Board examination and said the examination would be held again.

Mr Prasad said though the examination, which was held on Sunday, would not be cancelled, another examination would be held outside Maharashtra where those, who were prevented to take examination, could appear for it. Asked where the examination would be held, the minister said it could be organised either in Patna or Allahabad.

Criticising MNS Chief Raj Thackeray for attacking North Indians, he said treason charges be brought against him as he was trying to divide the nation. Demanding that Thackeray be put in jail and stringent punishment be given to him, Mr Prasad said even a warrant against him has been issued in Bihar.

Admitting that railway coaches and tracks have been attacked at many places in Bihar in retaliation for attack on North Indians in Mumbai, Mr Prasad charged that some vested interests were instigating people to attack railway property to protest against the incident. Pointing out that railway property was their own, he appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm. He said the RJD would support the people against these attacks on North Indian.

About the Maharashtra government's role in not providing protection to the examinees, Mr Prasad said the Railways had informed the state government about the examination and had sought all support to conduct it peacefully yet the attacks happened.

However, now the state government has pulled its socks and started taking action against MNS, he added.

However, about the Union Home Ministry's role, the railway minister refrained from making any comment.

UNI AJ RL AS1707