Monday, March 7 2005 17:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Accustomed to sprawling bungalows, a life without the trappings of power will not be easy for many former Bihar Ministers, most of whom have been used to power for 15 years.

While a few of them enjoyed their siesta, others spent time explaining the ill-effects of Central rule to their friends and followers on the first day (Mar 7, 2005) after Governor Buta Singh recommended imposition of President's rule in the State.

Following Chief Secretary K A H Subramanian's directives last night, the offices of the caretaker Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her Ministers have returned files.

Cabinet secretary Vijay Prakash said that a circular will be issued withdrawing various facilities to the Ministers immediately after Presidential proclamation.

The Ministers are finding this change very painful as they will not have their bungalows, beacon-fitted cars, obsequious Government employees, free electricity, telephone and many more facilities.

"After 15 years, these things will suddenly vanish. Indeed, life will be different and it will take time to adjust to a new routine," said Ashok Kumar Singh, the Tourism Minister of the outgoing Rabri Devi Ministry, who has lost the elections this time.

When contacted, the staff of many of his former colleagues, including Shakuni Chaudhary and Shakeel Ahmad Khan, those who had held the health and law portfolios, said, "Mantri jee so rahe hain (Minister is sleeping)."

Some other erstwhile Ministers like Ram Chandra Purve, Jagdanand Singh and Minister of State for power Shyam Rajak said they would spend more time in their constituencies.

"The people of my constituency wanted me to devote more time with them, which was difficult when I was a Minister. Now, that I have no Ministerial responsibility, I will spend more time with people of my Phulwarisharif constituency," Rajak said.

Jagdanand Singh said besides dealing with the problems of people of his constituency, he would spend time reading books for which he got little time as a Minister.

According to reports, Mukund Prasad, the principal secretary to the caretaker Chief Minister has sought one month's leave.

The Ministers have to vacate their bungalows in three months time, but Rabri Devi would be entitled to stay at 1 Anne Marg, where she had been living for past 15 years, for six more months.

The disappearance of power has aggravated anger among these Ministers against LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) president Ramvilas Paswan whom they hold responsible for creating the impasse forcing the Governor to recommend the Central rule.

"The development is unfortunate. It reflects negative attitude of Paswan towards democracy which expects us to make efforts for formation and smooth running of a popular Government," the Parliamentary affairs Minister in the former Rabri Devi Cabinet, Ramchandra Purve said.