RJD MLA Dinesh Kumar Singh does a 'sleep-in' protest

PATNA: This is not a sit-in protest political activists or their leaders resort to.
Taking the 'satyagraha' mantra a bit further, a Bihar MLA now launches a 'sleep-in' within the precincts of the state Assembly on a serious issue.

Demanding water be discharged within the canal system in his area and drought be declared, the RJD legislator from Jagdishpur embarked on a 'sleep-in' protest vowing not to budge till his demands were met.

The RJD MLA from Bhojpur district, Dinesh Kumar Singh, spread a bed-sheet yesterday morning within the well-maintained garden right in front of the entrance of the Assembly and rested his physique on it.

With more than 24 hours having elapsed, he shows no sign of vacating the place despite being prodded by Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shravan Kumar.

"I won't shift from here till water is released in the Sone River canal system and the state government declares drought. It's peak sowing season and the canals are dry. Rains have been so less. Farmers are on the verge of ruin. If the state government is sleeping, I will follow suit within the precincts of the building in protest," said Singh.

The RJD MLA, who had earlier been known for unique style of protests on issues facing the common people, also demanded the repair and restart of government tube-wells across the state.