MLAs decry use of Buddha statue as bin

Members of the Upper House in Bihar on Thursday resented the use of a 'Laughing Buddha' statue as dustbin in a fair in the State capital, saying it was a humiliation and dishonour to the founder of the religious sect.

Ruling RJD member Bhola Prasad Singh drew the attention of the chair towards the issue, saying it was a crime against religion.

Singh threatened to sit on a dharna inside the House if the dustbins in the form of Laughing Buddha were not removed from the fair.

The members cutting across party lines supported the demands of Singh and expressed their concern over the issue.

They said two such 'dustbins' had been installed one at the gate and the another inside the premises of the fair and the people were spitting and throwing their waste into it.

Meanwhile Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Upendra Prasad Verma announced to remove the dustbins within three days.

The members became agitated over the announcement and demanded its immediate removal.

Bihar Legislative Council Chairman Jabir Hussain directed the government to remove the dustbins by Thursday evening.