Jharkhand governor's address marred by opposition

Jharkhand Governor Draupdi Murmu's traditional address to the state legislature on Monday, marking the beginning of its budget session, was marred by boycott and slogan shouting from opposition parties.

The governor, however, completed her address amid the din and noise.

When Murmu started her address, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) legislator Pradeep Yadav started shouting and raised a few issues.

The governor was also interrupted by Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Hemant Soren.

The JMM, the main opposition party of the state, boycotted the governor's address. The Congress, however, did not.

Pradeep Yadav said, "The governor's speech does not talk about the welfare of about 15 percent minorities, and there is also no mention of the 27 percent reservation to Other Backward Castes - OBC - in the state."

At present, the OBCs are getting 14 percent reservation in government jobs and in educational institutions in Jharkhand.

Talking to reporters, Hemant Soren said, "The state government is trying to shield Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Dhullu Mahto. He is accused of seeking extortion from a Russian company. There is no mention also of help to the farmers in the speech."

Jharkhand Urban Development Minister C.P. Singh said, "The opposition parties are indulging in such acts to remain in news and get headlines on front page of the newspapers."