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Lok Sabha passes Jharkhand bill

The Lok Sabha Wednesday night performed a hat-trick by setting off the process for creation of three new states by passing a bill for the formation of Jharkhand, amid a walkout by members of the Biju Janata Dal, a National Democratic Alliance partner, protesting against "injustice" meted out to Orissa.

Rashtriya Janata Dal, Communist Party of India-Marxist, Samajwadi Party and Republican Party of India members walked out in protest against government's failure to announce a special package for the rest of Bihar to offset the loss of Jharkhand. Though the Congress supported the demand for a package, it did not join the walkout.

Earlier, BJD members led by Prasanna Acharya staged a walkout after the House rejected unofficial amendments, including those seeking the return of Sadheikala and Kharsuan to Orissa, instead of making them a part of the proposed Jharkhand state.

The House passed the bill by a voice vote despite opposition from the CPI-M and reservations of RJD and SP, as also NDA partners Janata Dal-United and Samata Party.

With the adoption of the Bihar Reorganisation Bill by the Lok Sabha, the stage is set for the formation of Jharkhand as the 28th state of the country subject to the approval by the Rajya Sabha.

This is the third statehood bill okayed by the Lok Sabha on three successive days this week. The House has already passed bills for the creation of Chattisgarh and Uttaranchal states.

PTI

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