Advani red-faced over NDA tickets for Bihar criminals8217;

PATNA, FEB 9: An embarrassed Home Minister L K Advani had no reply when asked how such a large number of criminals and mafia dons had mana...

PATNA, FEB 9: An embarrassed Home Minister L K Advani had no reply when asked how such a large number of criminals and mafia dons had managed to get NDA tickets for Assembly elections.

Advani8217;s failure to reply on this issue clearly indicated that the Central leadership had been kept in dark about these nominations. On being asked how the NDA leaders could accomplish the task of 8220;ending the jungle raj8221; when they had fielded criminals as their candidates. His reply was, 8220;I will try to find out. Necessary precautionary measures will be taken8221;.

With a large number of criminals in the fray, the chances of free and fair elections are quite remote. However, Advani assured that the Election Commission would take necessary steps to ensure that elections were not rigged. He also promised to provide adequate para-military forces during the elections. Though Advani tried to present a brave face and came out with the assurance of free and fair elections, this issue has led to questioning of the NDA8217;s politicalcredentials.

The figures available reveal that nearly 50 dons and notorious criminals are in the fray. This is the first time that dons like Surajbhan and Rajan Tiwari are in the contest.

Incidentally, the Congress too has fielded at least three people with criminal records from South Bihar. But the party fielding the maximum number of criminals is the Samata Party. Satish Pandey, who has been evading arrest in various criminals cases is the Samata candidate from Darauli. Notorious criminal Surajbhan is contesting from Mokameh.

Polls will finish RJD8217;
Reiterating the promise to create a separate Vananchal state soon, Union Home Minister L.K. Advani said the Assembly polls will be decisive asthey will break Laloo Prasad8217;s stranglehold and bring about a new political leadership. Advani said the Assembly polls will be a landmark as theywill pave the way for ending the rot8217; that has crept into the Bihar administration.