BJP leaders observe fast in Bihar over Parliament disruptions

BJP leaders across Bihar, including Union ministers and members of both Houses of the Parliament, today observed a day long fast in various parts of the state in protest against the recent washout of the Budget session.

Prominent among those who took part in the nationwide "Upvaas" were Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad in Patna, Ashwini Choubey in Buxar, R K Singh in Ara and Giriraj Singh in Nawada.

State party president Nityanand Rai observed fast in his Lok Sabha constituency of Ujiyarpur.

Talking to reporters in Gardanibagh locality of Patna where the sit-in demonstration was organised, Ravi Shankar Prasad blamed the opposition for the washout of the parliamentary session.

"We are registering our protest over attempts made by the Congress and its allies to deny the government a chance to apprise the nation about its stand on various issues. On the contrary, the recent fast by Rahul Gandhi and his supporters was just a farce," he said.

Prasad also said the government is making all possible efforts to address the grievances of the Dalits following the recent Supreme Court judgement on SC/ST Act, and demands by parties such as the Telugu Desam Party for grant of special assistance to Andhra Pradesh.