Paswan demands President's Rule in Maharashtra

Patna, Oct 29 (UNI) Steel and Fertiliser Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today demanded immediate dismissal of the Vilasrao Deshmukh Government and imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra for failing to ensure safety and security of Biharis there.

Mr Paswan, also the LJP president, told mediapersons here that despite widespread condemnation and concern over the continued violence against Biharis in Maharashtra, the Vilasrao Deshmukh government had totally failed in taking stern action and ensure safety and security of the Biharis residing there.

'' The notice against the Maharashtra government appears to have been sent under Article 355 of the Constitution and I do not think that it would have any effect there as the state government has failed to protect the life and property of Biharis and other north Indians, '' he said.

Ensuring of safety and security of people earning their livelihood in any part of the country was the constutional duty of the government, he added.

'' I, as part of all party delegation from Bihar, have demanded judicial enquiry by a sitting Supreme Court or High Court judge into the killing of Bihari student Rahul Raj in an alleged fake encounter with police in Mumbai as the Maharashtra government has ordered only an administrative inquiry, headed by state Chief Secretary. My party is not prepared to accept it under any circumstance, '' he stated.

The LJP president said his party workers were staging demonstrations in Maharashtra to protest the killing of Biharis as Maharshtra Navnirman Sena(MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray were out to play politics of hatred against north Indians for their electoral gains.

Asked about the demand by JD(U) president Sharad Yadav for his resignation from the UPA Government on the issue before pressing the Centre for action against the Maharashtra government to ensure safety of Biharis, Mr Paswan said the NDA should also snap its ties with the Shiv Sena as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was leader of the all party delegation demanding action against it.

UNI KKS-ABA SJC KLC1749