Friday, August 19 2005 14:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Terming as a 'serious matter' the recommendation of transfer of an official by Bihar Governor Buta Singh to Railways Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad, (BJP) Bharatiya Janata Party today (Aug 19, 2005) demanded his recall, saying his 'partial' conduct could influence upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

BJP Vice-President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi accused the Central United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government of lending 'direct or indirect support' to the 'unlawful activities' of Buta Singh and said his party would approach the Election Commission to seek its intervention as polls were due in the state.

"The revelation of Bihar Governor's recommendation is a serious matter. It has demonstrated that he is not impartial," Naqvi told sources reacting on the reports that Buta Singh had recommended to Prasad transfer of a railway official.

Alleging that the Governor has been indulging in 'undemocratic, unconstitutional and immoral activities,' the BJP leader said he should be recalled immediately, particularly as elections are due in the state and can be 'influenced'.

Charging that Singh and Prasad were in league, he alleged that the Governor at the 'behest' of the RJD chief had recently transferred senior police officers in key places to oblige Prasad.

"In turn, Buta Singh has also sought favour from Prasad," Naqvi alleged.

"This is clear proof that the upcoming elections, if held under Singh, would not be free and fair," the BJP leader said and added that it was the duty of the Election Commission to take note of it and take appropriate action.

Naqvi also rubbished Prasad's contention that recommending transfers was nothing unusual, saying "It is for the first time in history that a Governor has recommended in writing the transfer of an official when the state is under Governor's rule."