Patna, March 7: Expressing displeasure over the Centre’s reported decision to shift the central paramilitary force (CRPF) camp from Rajgir to Latur in Maharashtra, members cutting across party lines today raised the issue in the Legislative Council today.

The members showed their solidarity over the issue and said the state government should take up the matter with the Centre to resolve the issue.

BJP member Ram Kishore Singh raised the issue in the zero hour. He said the state government has provided 60 acres of land in Rajgir for setting up the camp, which would entail an investment of Rs 9,000 crore and create job opportunity for about 5,000 people. The Centre’s sudden decision to shift the camp is not fair at all.

The issue received instant support from both the treasury and the Opposition benches. Congress member Chandan Bagchi, RJD member Ghulam Gaus, BJP member Narendra Prasad Singh and CPM’s Vasudeo Singh echoed similar sentiments. They said the House was united on the issue and initiatives should be taken to stop the shift.

Bagchi said: “If it is true, we will sternly oppose it as the shift is not in the interest of the state.” Chief minister Nitish Kumar, however, intervened in the matter and said: “It is surprising to hear such things. The director-general of CRPF had assured me that the camp would remain in Rajgir. Even the work had started last year. But suddenly it is learnt that the camp is being shifted.” Kumar added: “We will verify it first and will also try get information on the matter immediately. If it is true we will then protest.”