Suspended BJP MLA Pradeep Yadav's case heard; verdict reserved

Ranchi, Nov 12 (UNI) Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Alamgir Alam today took up the case for hearing suspended BJP legislator Pradeep Yadav, accused in anti-defection case.

After hearing the case, the Speaker reserved his ruling.

With criticism mounting over ''inordinate delay'' in dispensing with the cases, Mr Alam had been hearing the cases in regular intervals since past one month and the Speaker was expected to complete the process of hearing by early next month.

In today's case, the BJP dissident was accused of siding with then Jharkhand Vikash Morcha president Babulal Marandi in violation of the tenth schedule.

According to the petitioner, Mr Yadav defied party line by hobnobbing with Mr Marandi.

So far cases of Mr Anos Ekka, Mr Kamlesh Singh and Mr Stephen Marandi (all ministers) were heard.

While the hearing regarding Mr Ekka, Mr Singh and Mr Yadav was completed, the case of Mr Marandi , also deputy chief minister remained inconclusive.

Meanwhile, the Speaker said he would try to complete hearing by early next month.

Seven more legislators were in the line to be heard by the Speaker.

UNI PRS KK RP AS1844