Munda killing: Oppostion demands for Prez rule

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Friday, July 11, 2008

Agitated over the murder of Ramesh Singh Munda, JD(U) MLA from Tamar, NDA led by BJP has demanded the imposition of President rule in Jharkhand on account of the failure of the State Government to check a series of naxal violence in the State.

The murder prompted senior BJP leader and former Governor of Gujarat, Kailashpati Mishra to demand president rule in the State. Mishra traded his gun towards Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi by saying that tactical silence of the Governor on the issue could jeopardise the credibility of this Constitutional post.

While throwing two options before the Governor, either 'to recommend President rule or to quit', Mishra appealed the Razi to save the dignity of the post by fulfilling his Constitutional duty.

It is not only BJP or JD(U) that demanded for President rule; other political parties too have put the Koda Government in lather by demanding the same. However, Congress which has been demanding the exit of Koda Government from the last many months, has not made any specific demand of President rule.

Yet NDA's demand for the President's rule found support from Jharkhand Vikash Party led Babulal Marandi and All Jharkhand Students' Union led by Sudesh Kumar Mahto.

Both Marandi and Mahto supported NDA's call for a State-wise bandh against the killing of Munda. Unexpectedly, Annapurna Devi, who in past minced no word in criticising the State Government has also demanded President's rule in the State. Contrary to the stand taken by her party Rashtriya Janata Dal, Annapurna Devi is seen to have taken a tough stand against the Government this time too. However, the party quickly distanced itself from this statement. For Gautam Sagar Rana, president, State RJD the situation was not as extreme to aatract President's rule.

According to Arjun Munda, Leader to Opposition, the State wants immediate intervention of the Centre to control the situation as Government has seized to exist.

While clubbing Koda and UPA led by Congress together for turning the State as a theatre of naxal violence, he demanded President's rule. He also demanded 'white Paper' on the state of law and order in Jharkhand. JD(U) which suffered a major loss is on fore front asking immediate removal of Koda Government.

Jaleswar Mahto, president, Jharkhand JD(U) alleged that the silence of Congress belies its own stand against the State Government. Congress will surely have to face a brickbat in the coming days if it harps on the failure of the Koda Government.