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Government to decide on Bihar ratification on March 8

The government will abide by the Constitution and maintain political decorum while deciding on sending the presidential proclamation imposing Central rule in Bihar to the Rajya Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P Kumaramangalam said in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Responding to Rashtriya Janata Dal president Laloo Prasad Yadav, who raised the issue during zero hour, the minister said a decision would be taken on March 8.

Earlier, during question hour, Yadav had asked when the government would present the presidential proclamation in the Upper House.

Treasury benches took up the plea that the Lok Sabha could not decide the agenda of the other House. But Speaker G M C Balayogi said he would allow the members to raise the issue during zero hour.

The Lok Sabha has already ratified the proclamation. But the government is yet to refer it to the Upper House where the ruling coalition is in a minority.

Kumaramangalam pointed out that President's rule was imposed in Bihar on February 12 and needs to be ratified by both Houses by April 13. Otherwise, the proclamation will lapse.

UNI

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