Shivraj Singh's remark ignites protest in Patna

Protests and demonstrations came to the fore in Patna on November 7, 2009 against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan remarks that jobs in Madhya Pradesh would not be allowed to be taken away by Biharis.

Several leaders including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rahstriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad termed the remarks as unconstitutional and objectionable. They demanded Chouhan tender an apology.
LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan said the statement made by Chouhan was unfortunate. “A person holding a top constitutional post should not react in this manner. He should resign immediately", he said.

"It is an extremely objectionable remark. It is the constitutional right of the people to go from one state to another to get jobs on the basis of merits and skills," Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said.

LJP workers (top) and Congress workers (bottom) burn the effigy of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Patna on November 7, 2009.
Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui