UP, Bihar MPs submit privilege motion against Bal Thackeray

UP, Bihar MPs submit privilege motion against Bal Thackeray

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/StoryPrint.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080043147&ch=633727682118818750

The Members of Parliament from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have submitted a breach of privilege motion against Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray for making remarks against them. They now want action taken against him. Even Speaker Somnath Chateerjee has ruled that the remarks were contempt of the House. This could mean serious trouble for the 82-year-old Sena chief. The Speaker may refer it to the privilege committee or take up the matter in the House. Thackeray may be asked to depose, he may be reprimanded or worse sent to jail, but that will be a tough task. Maharashtra chief minister is still talking to lawyers, while Shiv Sainiks are still talking hate. "I think it's a conspiracy against Maharashtra," said Sanjay Raut, leader, Shiv Sena. In an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna, Thackeray made reference to the fodder scam and said that poverty and unemployment in these states were creating problems for the whole nation. He also referred to 'Lalu Prasad-style politicians' and RJD MP Prabhunath Singh who he says, deserves to be in jail. "They (Bihar MPs) say that Mumbaikars' brains are rotten, they don't have their country's interest in mind, but such a stand by these MPs will trouble their brethren in Mumbai," Thackeray said the article. "Fodder is also eaten by the politicians there. It's because poverty, unemployment and hunger in that state impacts the whole nation," he remarked. Legal options Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi over the issue and said that his government is seeking legal opinion. "Even if the editorial has upset a particular community, or created a law and order problem, unless we know what section has been violated, we cannot take any action. That is why we have sought immediate legal opinion and will take all necessary action," Deshmukh said. Even Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has commented on the issue. "We request the prime minister to call a meeting where politicians from both the states should meet and sort out the differences," said Nitish Kumar.