Monday, May 2 2005 15:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Foreseeing as 'remote', the possibility of formation of a popular Government in Bihar, Governor Buta Singh today (May 2, 2005) hinted at President's rule continuing for some more time and said that attempts would be made to make it more popular.

Given the arithmetic of the 243-member Assembly, chance of early installation of a popular Government seem to be remote, Singh said at the secretariat in Patna.

Stating that no major contender for power, either the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), seemed to be in a position to cobble together majority, Singh said that attempts would be made to make the President's rule more popular.

In reply to a question, Governor said that he would entertain claim of any alliance for forming a popular Government only after they came up with a satisfactory list of 122 MLAs required for a simple majority.

Referring to the talks he had with Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) President Ramvilas Paswan at Raj Bhavan in Patna yesterday (May 1, 2005) evening, Singh said that it was a completely private visit.

Paswan, however, raised the issue of payment of salary and other allowances of the newly elected MLAs despite their not having taken oath and the Assembly under suspended animation, the Governor said.

Claiming that there was a remarkable improvement in law and order situation in Bihar during President's rule, he said that the transfers and postings of officials were being carried out in order to further tone up the administration.

Talking about the multi-crore flood-relief scam, Singh said that the offenders, whoever they may be, would be punished.

The vigilance investigation bureau was already on the job and let its preliminary enquiry report come first and only then, the State Government, if necessary, would hand over the probe to the CBI, he said.