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130
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Oh King, since I am the Chief Minister of this kingdom and since I am a responsible state official I have the right to know it and you have to tell me. All the ministers have come here only to know it." The Chief Minister said in a voice which was stern and severe. Sodas remained silent for a few moments, on hearing the words of the Chief Minister. He was unable to give any answer to the Chief Minister's question. He realized that the ministers would surely take a stern decision.
"If you do not give us a satisfactory answer we will have to compel you to accept our decision”.
“Well, do whatever you want to do. I will show you what I want to do...." and Sodas quickly rose to his feet and went away in a huff, towards his sleeping-chamber.
After that, the ministers returned to their respective homes. All were greatly angry and agitated. As soon as entering the council-chamber, the Chief Minister said to his colleagues;
“Now, we have only one alterative left before us”. “What is it?"
“We should dethrone Sodas and install the prince on the throne of Ayodhya”.
"You are absolutely right. This is the only thing we have to do now".
"But we have also to acquaint the people of the situation”, the Chief Minister said describing the course of action that had to be pursued to carry out their plan.
"In that case, we have to discuss the matter with the representatives of the people".
"Let the representatives of the people be invited at once to a meeting", the other ministers said with one voice. It was past mid-night. Silence held its sway over the city of Ayodhya. Now and then, the neighing of the horses of the guards disturbed the silence. Sometimes, the barkings of dogs also came piercing the
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