BH-AZAD-FUNCTION

Azad storms out of function over detention of his supporters
    Darbhanga(Bihar), Dec 24 (PTI) Suspended BJP MP Kirti
Azad Monday stormed out of a function here, where Bihar Chief
Minister Nitish Kumar and a number of Union Ministers were
present, in protest against the detention of his supporters by
police.
    As the dignitaries were being presented with garlands,
the supporters of the cricketer-turned politician got agitated
and shouted slogans upon noticing that the local MP has been
left out following which a number of them were rounded up by
police.
    A fuming Azad, who was suspended from the BJP a few
years ago after he levelled allegations against Union Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley, stormed out of the venue even as the
other dignitaries looked on.
    The function was organized for laying the foundation
stone of a civil enclave at the Darbhanga Airbase, which is
controlled by the Indian Air Force. The project is aimed at
bringing air connectivity to north Bihar.
    Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu, Minister
of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha and Minister of State
for Rural Development Ram Kripal Yadav, were among those
present at the function.
    Azad told reporters who approached him before he left
the spot "what wrong did my supporters commit. An MP is a
representative of the people. He deserves to be shown some
respect."
    Azad is a former test cricketer and son of former
Chief Minister Bhagwat Jha Azad.
    The function, however, went on as per schedule. In his
speech, Kumar urged Prabhu to run more flights connecting
Patna to Ranchi. He also thanked Jayant Sinha for coming up
with the offer of naming the Darbhanga civil airport after
Maithili poet Vidyapati and said he would send a proposal to
this effect to the Centre. PTI NAC
RG RG