The Bihar legislative council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a censure motion against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thakeray for his 'anti-Bihari' remarks.
Raising the issue during zero hour, Kedar Pande of the CPI pressed for an adjournment motion to discuss the 'anti-Bihari' statements of Thackeray, the estranged nephew of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray.
The demand was, however, turned down by acting chairman Arun Kumar since it was not in order. Kumar said instead of pressing for an adjournment motion on the issue, the House should bring a censure motion against Thackeray's remarks.
The chair's ruling was soon grabbed by Tarakant Jha of the BJP, who said Thackeray's statements against Biharis were
'highly objectionable' and 'highly condemnable'.
Jha was supported by Basudeo Singh (CPI), Mahachandra Prasad Singh (Congress), Sanjay Singh (LJP), Samir Kumar Mahaseth (independent), Ghulam Ghaus (RJD), Ram Kishore Singh, Aslam Azad (both JD-U) and Basudeo Singh (CPI-M).
They said the House was unaninmous in castigating Thackeray for his 'anti-Bihari' stance and hence a censure motion should be brought against him.
When the House reassembled after the lunch recess, Tarakant Jha (BJP) read out the censure motion signed by the
members of other parties which was unanimously adopted by the House.
The motion said Biharis had contributed a lot to the socio-economic development of Mumbai and, under the constitution, they were free to earn their livelihood anywhere in India.
"Raj Thackeray's statement is aimed at breaking the emotional and communal harmony of the country and hence the House unanimously condemns it," the motion said.
The motion was sent to the centre and Maharashtra government with a request that they should initiate stern action against elements encouraging divisive tendencies.
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