Patil for early Govt formation in Bihar

The Centre favoured early installation of an elected Govt in Bihar to end Prez rule and asked state MLAs to break the impasse.

The Centre on Saturday favoured early installation of an elected government in Bihar to end President's rule and asked state MLAs to sit together to break the impasse.

HT Image

It, however, remained non-committal as to what action would be taken by it if this failed to materialise.

"I hope that the time available will be utilised by the elected representatives in Bihar to help form a government, the earlier the better... I do not want to say anything what if this will not happen...Wait and see," Home Minister Shivraj Patil told the House.

Patil's reply was marked by a walkout by members of RJD, a key UPA ally, protesting against President's rule imposed in the state on March 7, this year while Opposition NDA warned against prolonging Central rule beyond six months.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and other RJD ministers went out of the House when Patil stood up to reply to the debate on the statutory resolution moved by him for approval of the proclamation.

Leader of Opposition LK Advani and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar said the absence of RJD ministers in the House reflected "collapse of collective responsibility" in the Manmohan Singh Government.