Speaker hears Dep CM's anti-defection case

Ranchi, Oct 25 (UNI) Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi's anti-defection case was heard by Speaker Alamgir Alam today.

During the argument, petitioner Chandreswar Oraon (BJP) and his lawyers could not give satisfactory replies to some specific queries by the Speaker.

Mr Marandi was accused of deserting Jharkhand Vikash Morcha(JVM).

The Speaker asked the petitioner about the reasons that prompted him to accuse Mr Marandi of anti-defection.

The BJP leader could not reply as to when Mr Marandi took membership of the JVM and when the party formally got its' political status.

In his reply Mr Oraon said he did not come prepared and sought two weeks-time to answer the questions.

He also mentioned that he was not aware of today's hearing as he did not receive any official communication regarding this.

Reacting to this, Mr Alam said the Assembly Secretariat had sent notice to him before October 10.

Mr Marandi's lawyer also contended that the petitioner filed the case on September three, 2006 and he had ample time to substantiate his claim.

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