Sunday, March 13 2005 15:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Referring to controversial actions of Goa and Jharkhand Governors, senior JDU (Janata Dal United) leader and former Railway Minister Nitish Kumar today (Mar 13, 2005) suggested abolition of the institution of Governor for smooth functioning of democracy.

"The institution of Governor has become a roadblock to proper functioning of democratically elected Governments. It will be better if we do away with the post," Kumar told reporters.

There should be a national debate on the issue, which has created unnecessary controversies, he said.

"Governors have become a tool in the hands of the Centre to settle score with the State Governments of its adversaries. Besides, placing an un-elected person on such an important constitutional post has no rationale," he said.

"Selection of a Governor of particular State is done keeping in mind the political interest of the ruling party. This institution of Governorship has of late become a tool of the Centre to make the State dance to its tune," he said making a strong case for ending the post of Governor.

Asserting that "functioning" of Governors have been discussed a number of times in Parliament and at other platforms, but of little use, Kumar said a national debate was required to have an alternative arrangement to the institution of Governorship, which was "doing more harm to the smooth running of the democracy than serving any positive purpose".