Bihar Congress demands President's rule in Maharashtra

Patna, Nov 8 (UNI) The Bihar Congress today demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh impose President's Rule in Maharashtra as the Vilasrao Deshmukh government had failed to ensure safety and security to the north Indians, especially Biharis, living in that state.

Leader of the Congress Legislative Party Mahachandra Prasad Singh told mediapersons here that the Maharashtra government had failed to establish rule of law as violence continued unabated against Biharis despite widespread protest and condemnation from all quarters.

'' I have written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to dismiss the Vilasrao Deshmukh government and impose President's Rule,'' Mr Singh said adding a retired army or police officer should be appointed as advisor in Maharashtra after imposition of the Central Rule.

'' Only a retired army or police officer would be able to establish rule of law in Maharashtra and ensure stringent action against the disruptive elements there,'' he stated.

The Congress leader also demanded a ban on the political parties which play with the 'regional sentiments' for electoral gains. On the contrary it proved detrimental to the unity and integrity of the country, he observed.

Mr Singh also favoured constitutional amendment to stop such forces from contesting elections and added that MNS chief Raj Thackeray and his 'goons' should be immediately booked under the National Security Act.

The Congress leader dubbed the resignation of JD(U) MPs on the issue of safety and security of Biharis as ''drama'' and said the elected representatives should use their strength to force the government to act tough against the disruptive forces.

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