BJP counters protest, says Cong blocked states Bills

HYDERABAD, JUNE 3: The BJP today took strong exception to the proposed protest rallies by the Congress in Bihar on the issue of reorganisa...

HYDERABAD, JUNE 3: The BJP today took strong exception to the proposed protest rallies by the Congress in Bihar on the issue of reorganisation of states and accused the Opposition party of creating hurdles in the formation of Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Chattisgarh states.

BJP general secretary M. Venkaiah Naidu told reporters here that while the NDA Government at the Centre had taken every step to ensure passage of the States’ Reorganisation Bill in deference with the aspirations of the people, the Congress had “obstructed” its introduction in Parliament during the last Budget session on “technical grounds”.

After creating hurdles in the formation of new states, contrary to its commitment in the manifestoes, the Congress was blaming the Centre for the delay, Naidu alleged.

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The Congress has called for `Vananchal bandh’ on June 9, coinciding with Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee’s scheduled visit to Ranchi, in protest against the alleged “insincerity” of the NDA Government on the issue.

Vajpayee is scheduled to visit Ulihatu village in Bihar to participate in centenary celebrations of Birsa Munda.

Naidu said the States’ Reorganisation Bill would be on top of the agenda in the monsoon session of Parliament. “The Government has been pursuing the issue in right earnest and had tried its best to introduce the Bill on the last day (of Budget session) but the Congress did not allow it,” he added.