The row over the “purification” of a Lohia statue after the former Chief Minister, Jitan Ram Manjhi, garlanded it on Sunday, led to the adjournment of the Bihar Legislative Council on Monday. Mahachandra Prasad Singh, rebel Janata Dal (United) member, who is now with Mr. Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha, raised the issue and said it amounted to an “insult” to Mr. Manjhi, a Mahadalit.
Later, backing Mr. Singh, BJP members trooped into the well, demanding strict action against those who were responsible for the incident and a statement from the government.
Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh asked the MLAs to raise the issue as per the House rules. As he could not pacify them, he adjourned the proceedings till Tuesday.
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“This is a very serious issue and a shameful one. The government should answer why a Mahadalit is being insulted in this manner. It should also disclose what action has been taken,” said BJP State president and Council member Mangal Pandey.
Meanwhile, at a public meeting held in Purnia, Mr. Manjhi said the “purification” reflected the feudal mentality of such people. “It was done at the behest of some big leader,” he alleged.