Soren’s ultimatum to Ainosh

Vijay Deo Jha/ Rajiv Ranchi Friday, December 12, 2008

Ainosh Ekka, the Rural Development Minister, might be removed from the State Cabinet before the winter session of the State Assembly if he does not withdraw Raja Peter from the forthcoming by-election of Tamar.

Starting a no hold barred attack on Ekka, Chief Minister Shibu Soren gave the hint while briefing media persons after the Cabinet meeting on Thursday.


"He is working against the policy and principle of the UPA which asked him to withdraw his party candidate from Tamar. It is a collective decision of the UPA to field me from Tamar… he will be removed from the State Cabinet before the start of the Winter Session of the State Assembly," Soren said.


The winter session will start from December 17. Soren will file his nomination on Friday for Tamar by-election.


About two days back Ekka at a Press conference had indicated that he was not ready to cave in before the UPA, which has been pressurizing him to withdraw Peter from Tamar. "How can I withdraw Peter… this is the decision of the Jharkhand Party and now I can not override the decision, I will be removed from the party if I withdraw Peter at this juncture," Ekka argued.




Peter, who has filed his nomination as the party candidate of the Jharkhand Party, as well as an independent is learnt to have caused concern among the UPA fold- the presence of Peter in the electoral battle might put hindrance in the way of Soren who fears that Peter factor would prove a political migraine for him.


"I do not know how and when Ekka takes a wise decision… but even Peter contests as an independent candidate Ekka will be held responsible for that", Soren clarified.


Meanwhile the UPA held a crucial meeting at the residence of the Soren on Thursday evening after the adamant minister refused to follow the diktat.


The meeting was attended by ministers including Ainosh Ekka, Harinarayan Rai, Bandhu Tirkey, Dulal Bhuiyan, Nalin Soren, president State Congress Pradeep Balmucchu, RJD MLA Girinath Singh, Annpurna Devi, Congress MP Sushila Kerketta.