Left, Bjp Demand Laloos Resignation

The Left parties and BJP yesterday demanded the immediate resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav soon after the Bihar governor sanctioned his prosecution for alleged involvement in the animal husbandry scam.

The Samata Party too demanded his resignation but the Congress said it was an internal matter for the United Front.

Some front leaders such as its convenor, N Chandrababu Naidu, have indicated that they would not support Laloo Prasads continuance in office if he was charged.

Given the Chief Ministers intransigence, however, the United Front and the Janata Dal in particular may be in for some churning.

 

The BJP spokesperson said that, in case he fails to tender his resignation, the central government should dismiss him forthwith and impose Presidents rule on the state.

Party spokesman Yashwant Sinha said he hoped that the CBI would now proceed against Yadav in the scam and lead the case to its logical conclusion. Necessary action should follow this sanction, he added.

Laloo Prasad has no right to continue as Chief Minsiter even for a second after the Governors sanction for his prosecution in the fodder scam, Sinha said. We are happy that the Governor has given the sanction, though it has been unduly delayed.

The Congress refused to take a stand on whether Laloo Prasad should resign. It is their internal matter, said the party spokesperson, adding that his party had always held to the dictum, let the law take its course.

Laloo Prasad is close to Congress President Sitaram Kesri.

Left leaders reiterated that Laloo Prasad should step down from his post. CPI(M) general secretary HS Surjeet and CPI secretary Atul Kumar Anjaan said this had been the Left parties long-pending demand and added that others should also follow suit.

Anjaan said the Janata Dal legislative party should elect a new leader to replace him.

The Left and other democratic parties would meet today to discuss the future course of action.