An MLA who died young

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Thursday, July 10, 2008

The murder of Ramesh Singh Munda, JD(U) MLA from Tamar, has sent shock wave among all sections of political fraternity who have condemned the killing in strongest terms.

According to Leader of the Opposition Arjun Munda: "The slain leader was not provided with enough security despite his repeated requests. The Koda Government has failed to maintain the rule of law in the State and the days are not far when Maoists would challenge the Government in the State capital itself."

While attacking the Government he wanted to know the reason behind not providing security to Munda. "The situation warrants that Koda Government must resign", he demanded. Chief Minister Madhu Koda, on the other hand expressed shock on the incident and termed it an act of cowardice. "It would not deter the Government in its fight against maoists", he stated.

Alamgir Alam, Speaker, State Assembly expressed his grief over the death of Munda and said: "Munda would be remembered as one of the best legislators of the State who had a meteoric rise in politics due to his vision and proximity with the people...It is a gruesome killing of a future statesman of the State".

There is no Government in the State if there is any it is blind as well as visionless", said Indersingh Namdhari, former Assembly Speaker. While recalling his last meeting with Munda during Budget Session a visibly chocked Namdhari said that he would remember him for his pure heart. "This State has no future till this (Koda) Government continues in power", he said.

JD(U) MLA Radhakrishna Kishore, who termed the murder as unfortunate, said that there was no Government in the State. "Jharkhand has lost a son-of-the-soil and voice which represented unprivileged and down trodden. It was unfortunate that the State Government could not protect him knowing well that he was receiving threat from maoists" Kishore remanrked.

Girinath Singh, RJD MLA, said that the way a people's representatives are being murdered it causes concern. He demanded special security for the MLAs of the State on the line of Jammu & Kashmir, otherwise it would be impossible for the legislators to move in their constituencies since the State has become a free corridor of Maoists.

However, RJD props Koda Government in the State. The State Congress while denouncing this murder demanded an immediate resignation of Madhu Koda. Alok Kumar Dubey, spokesperson, State Congress said that this murder should not be seen in isolation. It exposes the failure of the claims of the State Government to protect the life of people. Currently 'law is in hell and order is disordered' under the current regime, he said.