Bihar Speaker says RJD trying to kill him

Alleges the RJD workers threw stones at his house to 'browbeat a mahadalit' holding constitutional chair

At the Centre of a storm for recognising 13 Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLAs as a separate group, Bihar Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary on Wednesday alleged RJD elements were plotting to kill him.

On Tuesday, RJD chief Lalu Prasad had taken to the streets here, leading scores of party workers in protest against what he termed was the “Bihar chief minister’s conspiracy to usurp the RJD”. During the protests, some party workers threw stones at Chaudhary’s official residence on Desratna Marg. Chaudhary alleged RJD workers had targeted his house to “browbeat a mahadalit” holding a constitutional position.

Hitting back at the RJD chief, the Speaker said, “This reflects his behaviour, thinking and character...When this is his attitude against a person in a constitutional post, what will happen to common man? This is a matter to ponder.” He expressed fear he could be killed and his family members attacked by such “elements”.

Following the attack, security has been strengthened on Desratna Marg residence of the Speaker. A large posse of policemen has been posted outside his house and marshals of the Assembly were by his side at his residence during the press conference.

"They want to frighten me by doing such mischief to rescind the decision ... But can a constitutional chair be forced to change a lawful decision?," Choudhary said.

"The interim decision to recognise 13 RJD MLAs as a separate group is lawful, taken after thorough study of parliamentary provisions and not in haste ... If somebody is not satisfied he is free to challenge it before any constitutional body."," Choudhary told reporters at his residence.

"I took 10 days to satisfy myself through different means on the application bearing signature of 13 MLAs to either merge them with JD (U) or recognise them as a separate group.

"I wanted to take more time but dissident members urged me to decide on their plea and accordingly I directed the assembly secretariat to issue a notification recognising them as a separate group as per interim arrangements on February 24 evening," he said.

Choudhary said since 9 of the 13 MLAs have given separate letters now he will study them and give a ruling accordingly. He, however, did not give any timeline for giving a final decision.