Remarks on martyrs: JD(U) issues showcause to two of its senior ministers

Patna,(BiharTimes): The Janata Dal (United) on Sunday issued showcause notice to two of its ministers in Bihar after their utterances following the killing of five Indian soldiers by Pakistan.

First Bhim Singh, the JD(U) leader and Rural Works and Panchayati Raj Minister in the Nitish cabinet, had on Thursday said that those who join police and army are always ready to achieve martyrdom. He later apologised for his remarks.

Than on Saturday agriculture minister, Narendra Singh––one of the most experienced members of the cabinet––gave a clean chit to Pakistan over the killings.

He said he did not believe that Pakistan is responsible for the killing of five Indian soldiers on the LoC in Poonch district on Tuesday last.

JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said in New Delhi on Sunday that the statements are “against the policy, ethics and norms of the party” and asked them to explain within seven days “why disciplinary action should not be taken against you on the above misconduct.”

He also said that their remarks had not only “caused embarrassment” to the party but also damaged its reputation.

In the letter to Bhim Singh, the party chief said, “Your statement regarding army personnel who were killed on the LoC, was uncalled for you being a member of JD(U) and also being a member of the state cabinet.”

“Your above act is against disciplinary norms of the party,” the letter added.

While in the letter to Narendra Singh, he wrote that his statement that Pakistan government had no hand in the killings was against the party policy, norms and ethics.

Sharad also reminded the minister that "in this regard I had personally requested you to issue the rebuttal and contradiction to your statement, but it was apparently not done."