New Delhi, February 3
The criticism of his own government by Bihar Governor Rama Jois in his Republic Day Address rocked the Rajya Sabha today, with the Opposition terming it as “improper behaviour” and demanded an explanation from the government.
Raising the issue in the pre-lunch session, CPM member Nilotpal Basu said the Bihar Governor had failed to carry out his constitutional responsibility by criticising his own government, which, he said, was totally improper.
Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat objected to his statement, saying that the conduct of a state Governor should not be discussed in the House.
Senior Congress member Pranab Mukherjee said a Governor did not say anything which amounted to condemning or criticising his own government. This lead to a constitutional problem as the Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, depended on the pleasure of the Governor, he said.
BJP member S.S. Ahluwalia said it was wrong to go by newspaper reports alone and whatever happened on that day, and what exactly the Governor said, should be placed before the House.
Mr Shekhawat then directed the government to make a statement in the House on the issue.
Meanwhile, in a related development, RJD President and former Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav met President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and demanded recall of Bihar Governor for his remarks against the state government in his Republic Day Address.
“I have told the President that the Governor has failed to perform his constitutional duty. He is making Bihar his target keeping in mind the coming Lok Sabha poll,” Mr Yadav told newspersons after the meeting.
