JD-U MP announces fast to demand probe into his assets

PATNA -Stung by allegations of corruption from his party colleagues, an MP from Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has asked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to order a probe into his assets and declared that he would go on a one-day fast to press for the demand.

Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha has announced that he would undertake a daylong fast on Jan 24 to demand a probe into his assets.

The move follows allegations by two JD-U leaders, C.P. Sinha and Niranjan Pappu, that Kushwaha’s assets had increased manifold in the last few years and that there should be a probe.

“I have decided to demand a probe by any state or central agency into my assets. A probe is now necessary to get rid of allegations against me,” Kushwaha told IANS.

He said he would request the chief minister to save him from character assassination or hang him if found guilty.

Kushwaha said he was answerable only to the national president and the chief minister.

“I am the party national general secretary, I cannot be replying to everyone.”

Kushwaha demanded last month that the state government step up its fight against corruption by taking over properties of other politicians, including ministers, who have accumulated wealth by illegal means. He made the statement after the Bihar government declared that it would confiscate the properties of a corrupt official to convert them into primary schools.

“Like corrupt officials, there are corrupt politicians who have constructed palatial buildings and accumulated wealth by illegal means. The government must act against them also,” he said.

Nitish Kumar had declared a war against corruption after he became chief minister for the second consecutive term last month.