Bihar education minister quits over graft allegations
‘Nitish’s identity is that of a leader with a difference. Democracy runs on ethics and public morality.
That is why Choudhary has resigned from the post,’ says JD (U)
Newly-appointed Bihar Education Minister Mewalal Choudhary, allegedly facing corruption charges in the recruitment of assistant professors and scientists, has resigned hours ater assuming his new office on Thursday.
He was sworn in as a cabinet minister just a few days ago along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Choudhary had met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday.
Earlier on Thursday, Choudhary had assumed charge of the education ministry.
The opposition has been attacking the government over allegation of corruption against the minister ever since his name was announced.
JD (U) General Secretary KC Tyagi said, “Nitish Kumar’s identity is that of a leader with a difference. Democracy runs on ethics and public morality. That is why since allegations of corruption have been levelled against Choudhary, he has resigned from the post of education minister.” It may be recalled that the RJD had been attacking Nitish about the appointment of Choudhary. on Wednesday, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had taken to Twiter to say: “By appointing Mewalal Choudhary, involved in the assistant professor recruitment scam, has the CM given him a free hand to indulge in more corruption and loot?” The scam relates to the recruitment of 166 assistant professors and scientists in the Bihar Agricultural University in Bhagalpur in 2010.
Choudhary had taken oath as cabinet minister on Nov.16 along with 14 others, including the chief minister.
As per sources, the chief minister has sent Choudhary’s resignation to the governor for approval.
Following his resignation, Tejashwi Yadav said: “The real culprit is CM Nitish Kumar. Why did he appoint a tainted leader as the education minister of Bihar? As many as 60 scams have taken place in Bihar during his tenure. The list is very long. Nitish Kumar cannot take a high moral ground with just one resignation. The people of Bihar have given us the mandate to point out your corrupt policies.” Choudhary, who was elected the MLA from the Tarapur constituency in Munger district, was allegedly involved in the recruitment scam during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University in Bhagalpur, when many non-meritorious candidates were appointed in different posts.
Meanwhile, Jitan Ram Manjhi, president of Hindustani Awam Morcha ( HAM), was on Thursday appointed pro-tem speaker of Bihar legislative assembly.
At the swearing in ceremony held in Raj Bhawan on Thursday, Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan administered him the oath of office.
Manjhi said: “I have been part of the Bihar assembly and council for more than 34 years and held several top posts including that of chief minister. As I am the senior-most legislator in Bihar. Geting the responsibility of pro-tem speaker is a great honour.” Manjhi has been made pro-tem Speaker for two days (Nov.23 and 24) till the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly is elected.
“My job as proterm speaker will end ater house will elect new speaker,” Manjhi said.
Sources have said that former minister Nand Kishore Yadav is the frontrunner for the post of Speaker. When Manjhi became the chief minister of Bihar, Nitish was appointed ethics commitee president.
Former deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi was on Thursday given a new responsibility in the Bihar Legislative Council (BLC).
Considered a close friend and ally of Nitish, Modi has been appointed president of ethics commitee in the BLC.
Besides him, Sanjay Jha, a JDU leader and former water resources minister was also given charge of petition commitee president. Both Modi and Jha were dropped from newly formed cabinet. Awadesh Narayan Singh, the executive chairman of BLC issued notifications on their appointments.
The ethics and petition commitees are considered as important commitees in the BLC. Its members keep a close watch on the conduct of MLAS and MLCS and also have recommendation power to Speakers of both the houses for disciplinary action.