Jharkhand bill to come up for discussion on Aug 2 -- Marandi

Jharkhand bill to come up for discussion on Aug 2 -- Marandi
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Ranchi, July 30: Union Minister of State for Forest and Environment Babulal Marandi today said the Bihar State Reorganisation Bill, 2000 (Jharkhand Bill) scheduled to come up for discussion in the Parliament on August 2 was likely to be passed in the Lok Sabha on the same day.

Talking to PTI here today Marandi said the Bill is scheduled to figure for debate in the Rajya Sabha on August 9 and added that if the Congress supports the legislation in the Upper House it will be finally cleared from the Parliament paving the way for the creation of a separate Jharkhand state.

He said the BJP has already issued a whip to its MPs to be present in the Lok Sabha on August 2 and vote in favour of the Jharkhand Bill.

When reminded of the Opposition to the Bill by members of some of the NDA constituents, Marandi said members of the NDA were mature enough to understand the urgency of the regional aspiration for statehood and exuded confidence that they will throw their weight behind the BJP to ensure the passage of the bill in the Lok Sabha.