Munda protests govt plan to generate revenue through lottery

Ranchi, Nov 16 (UNI) Leader of Opposition Arjun Munda today wrote a letter to Chief Minister Shibu Soren, expressing concern over the government plan to generate revenue through lottery-making deal with ''controversial'' parliamentarian from Assam Mani Kumar Subba.

Mr Munda, also former Chief Minister, demanded that the government review its decision to prevent the state from nosediving further.

''The mafia (meaning Subba) with dubious antecedents has been trying to hold lottery even during our NDA government, which I straightaway rejected,'' Mr Munda told a press conference at his official residence here.

Mr Munda said the present UPA government, led by Mr Soren, lacked vision and it was reflected when they thought of generating revenue through lottery.

The senior BJP leader also said instead of trying to make people aware of the adverse impact of gambling and betting, the government exposed its weakness in working on good projects for the welfare of the state.

''It is a funny idea to turn fortune of the state through lottery,'' he said, adding the controversial MP from North Eastern region should no way be allowed to create a ''poisonous'' atmosphere here.

Referring to the recent death of five students after consuming contaminated milk in the hotel at Bero, he said, ''The government, providing poisonous food to the government-run schools, is now all out to usher in a poisonous ambience in the state.'' He said the government could do away with its obligation by simply taking action against the school staff but it should own moral responsibility for the tragedy.

Mr Munda asserted that the government hardly carried out random check of foodstaff being given at the schools and hostels.

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