Jharkhand BJP to form human chain against Koda Government

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi July 17, 2008

Joining hands together against the Koda Government on the issue of corruption, thousands of workers of Jharkhand BJP would form a human chain on July 19 on the main artery of Ranchi connecting the State Assembly to the Governor house via Harmu bypass road.

In a marathon meeting of its core committee, the State BJP chalked out strategy to tighten noose around the Jharkhand Government.

It decided to hold a State level training camp of the party workers at Madhuban, Giridiha next month under the top leader of the party Chandramohan Prasad. Keeping in view the lessons that the party learnt from its dismal performance in the last Lok Sabha elections, Jharkhand BJP has started setting its dynamics right by appointing its top leaders as in-charge of different Lok Sabha constituencies. Party sources involved in the poll related exercise said the top leaders of the party including Yaswant Sinha, Arjun Munda, Ramtahal Chaudhary, Karia Munda, Dineshanand Goswami and some others have been appointed in-charge of the different constituencies and have been asked to strengthen the party organisation there.

Sources said Arjun Munda is placed in charge of Ranchi and Godda while Goswami is learnt to have given the charge of Dhanbad. Another senior leader Ramtahal Chaudhary and Karia Munda would look after North Chotanagpur and Kolhan region respectively.

The party would undertake workers' conclaves in these constituencies. Karia Munda would undertake one such programme on July 20 who is in the charge of East Singhbhum. The party is currently working on two-prong strategy to tap the first time voters and expand the base of the party in the rural areas.

The youth wing of the party may go on to organise pratham voter samman programme to allure young voters. Sources said the party organisation was taking special care to regroup its disorganised booth committee. Currently the State has nearly 24000 polling booths and the poll managers of the party intend to enroll a minimum of 15 workers for each booth.

Party leaders are aware that the critical failure to enthuse the BJP workers of booth committee proved fatal for the party in the last several elections in the State. A senior party leader said that BJP has set its mind to hold agitation and poll campaign side by side. If sources are to believed, the party would undertake similar exercise in the future too.

Fall of UPA Govt inevitable: Rajnath

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi July 14

The fall of the UPA Government at the Centre is inevitable and the NDA would collectively vote against the central Government, if it brings confidence motion on July 22," said BJP national president Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Ranchi on Sunday.

Singh also refuted the reports surfacing in the media that the party is trying to woo former Union Coal Minister and JMM chief Shibu Soren with a promise to support his claim over the post of Chief Minister of Jharkhand. He also rejected the report of having any parley with JMM chief.

But Singh left enough political space by saying: "Any body is free to talk to me." However, the State BJP has also ruled out the possibility saying that it would be fatal for the party.

Meanwhile, reports coming from JMM indicate the party would hold a meeting to take a final decision on the fate of UPA Government in New Delhi on July 19. Well-placed sources said that the party would bell out the UPA Government. The Congress through Union External Affairs Minister Pranav Mukharjee is slated to have assured Soren of two ministerial berths for support to the Union Government.

While talking to The Pioneer, Singh attacked the Left parties for not showing honesty in their opposition to the nuclear deal. "The leaders of the Left parties knew in advance the decision of the UPA Government to go ahead with the N-deal. Left could have stopped this deal month back by pulling out their support that time itself. The left finally decided to pull out the Government by giving Congress sufficient time to manage the number game and also when the deal was all most final," Singh alleged.

Singh added that both Congress and Left parties were diverting attention from the real issues including rising prices and threat to national security. Singh asserted that only NDA was able to provide a stable Government at the Centre as well as in Jharkhand. Singh also expressed fear that the Government could indulge in a horse-trading to prove its majority in the Lok Sabha.

While political spins doctors of UPA on 'save the UPA Government' mission are making all-out effort in the State to revive political ties with JMM. Congress has pressed its new political emissary, Chief Minister Madhu Koda, to woo Soren.

Koda is reported to have met Soren in Bokaro on Sunday. What exactly transpired between Koda and Soren is not clear, but insiders said Koda conveyed the message of the Congress high command.

A different Marandi to address Parivartan rally on February 6

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi February 6, 2008

Twenty six years ago, on February 6, Babulal Marandi was baptised into politics. The former Chief Minister delivered his maiden speech as a politician at the Dumka's Gandhi Maidan, that too in the presence of Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.It is a mere coincidence that Marandi will be speaking again on February 6 at the sprawling Morabadi grounds. But, he would have a different script. Twenty six years down the career, Marandi has a different vision. And his affiliations have also changed.

He would now be speaking from a platform hosted by his own political party Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM) that he formed after his divorce with the BJP. The Parivartan rally (a rally for change), Marandi claims, will set the agenda for a change in Jharkhand.

The rally is expected to be attended by former Chief Ministers Mulayam Singh Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, Chandrababu Naidu, Omprakash Chautala besides political heavyweights like Amar Singh, Rammohan Rao and Brindavan Goswami.Hoardings, banners and the party flags of the JVM, placards displaying the objectives behind the rally have flooded the State capital.

The hoardings portray Marandi dressed up as a farmer who is committed to fight against hunger, fear and corruption.At the Morabadi grounds, the preparations for the rally are in full swing. "The proposed stage would display the rural Jharkhand; a model of hut, trees and the rising sun in the back ground has been designed to attract people" said Jaidev Haldhar, the artist working on this model.Marandi has been taking personal interest to make the rally successful.

Taking to this correspondent, he said that it would be a historical rally and this rally would bring a change in the politics of the State. Perhaps, he was hinting towards the scores of leaders coming to participate in the rally.

Looking towards the cloudy sky, he seemed to be wary about the bad weather, but said philosophically: "You see that every auspicious occasion is sprinkled with rain. It is a good omen."

Meanwhile, people have started coming to Ranchi to participate in the rally. While, some four thousand workers from Sahibganj reached to the capital a day before the rally said one of the leaders of the party. The politicians across the State are also keenly interested to see the outcome of the rally.

One top politician and strong bete-noire of Marandi termed the rally as the conclave of five former Chief Ministers. But, the party cadre are not dampened by this. Balram Toppo from Dumka who attired himself in colour of the party flag asserted that there would be a sea of crowd on Wednesday to listen to Marandi. In one of the corners of the Morahbadi ground a group of tribal artists were beating drums and swaying on the tune of the folk songs. They had come to attend the rally and were praying their god to stop rain and to bless their leader for a success on Wednesday.

Kosi ka Tufan

Vijay Deo Jha Published in hellomithilablogspot.com

People might have forgotten Rehman Miya and his book 'Kosi Ka Tufaan' alias Akala ka Hahakar that was banned by the British Government as inflammatory, way back in 1940. Even the villagers of Sarauti, Ghoghardiha, district Madhubani which used to be the native place of Rehman, have forgotten him that here used to be man from this village who rose hackled on Kosi. But every line of the book dared to speak the truth about the injustice which Mithila suffered on account of Kosi.

'Dauru Dauru auo Sarkar, Parja Sab Je Dubi Rahal Acchi Kosi Ke Majhdar.' Come, Come, O government! Your Subjects are drowning in whirls of Kosi. An ordinary parchun seller Rehman Miya used to raise the plight of the people between the rail route from Nirmali to Simariyaghat where he used to sell.

I do not ask for a pat on my back for reviving and revisiting history rather it would come as a handy to understand the politics over Kosi. Let water level recede, life come to normalcy and suffering humanity come out of neckline water we will forget it as usual.

People may term my writing as incorrect and hard. Here are some facts which would clear the doubts. Some three years before the independence Lord Wavell had visited Jhanjharpur to take stock of the flood caused by Kosi. Wavell was perhaps moved by the suffering of the humanity which prompted the British Government to create a Disaster Fund to erect an embankment for flood control.
But the corpus consisting of Rs. 50 Crores were diverted for the construction of Bhakara Nangal Dam in Punjab by Jawaharlal Nehru. Mithila did not exist on the political map of Congress. However people resisted but who cares when you have Judas in your own house. The rest of the funds of the corpus were diverted for the construction of Damodar Valley Corporation. Mithila got a big zero.

To add insult to injury Nehru asked the people of Mithila for their Shramdan (voluntary services) if they wanted a dam for Kosi. If you want to save your life follow what I say- offer Shramdan.
For that purpose Bharat Sevak Samaj was formed and with paltry release of money the work started and the Kosi region got the test of Contract Culture (Thikedari Pratha) and within the night all the influential Congress leaders turned to Contractors. There a big list of such Congress figure belonging to Balua Bazar and Saharsha who minted money out of big time bogus exercise of Kosi dam.

As a mark of protest people sent Nehruji 10 boxes containing rotten mangoes. The successors of Nehru Gandhi never pardoned Mithila for this polished ridicule. And the rest is history.
The successive governments are yet to realize the quantum of disaster. Although every time Kosi takes toll of the life and from 1963 to till now at least for 8 times Kosi visited her wrath. But this time it dashed its early records. Ratikant Jha, a septuagenarian whom the flood separated him from his family said with choked voice- 'Babu I never saw such a big cataclysm in my life time. Nobody knows will this old man join his family again.

But works are on progress on the paper. A committee was formed by the Central Ministry of Water Resources in 1962 for the effective control of Kosi. After the lapse of 46 when the third generation is ready to suffer at the hand of Kosi, the committee held only 11 meetings till this date. Out of 100 projects meant for flood control work could be started only on 58 projects. Even the assessment works undertaken by WAPCOP were stopped in the want of the fund.
Sorry if somebody is hurt by my article. But it is time to re-read the history. My article might be condemned for its overt political overture but who stopped the consecutive political dispensations and the governments from realizing the sorrow of the people of Mithila.

Hopefully after flood will witness another lot of political nautanki- Jagarnath Mishra, the former Congress leader announced to take retirement from the active politics. 'I will now fight for the permanent solution to flood till the last breath of my life' said Mishra. Too little too late.

Which Kosi playing disaster? Natural Kosi or political Kosi

Vijay Deo Jha Published in http://hellomithilaa.blogspot.com

Every time flood takes toll on the life of people and the both central and state governments affirm to take a decisive actions to control the flood. Things go on like that and we the people of Mithilanchal prepare ourselves for the next calamity.

It is no time of chest beating or staging Rudali. We the people of this proud region live in amnesia. We tend to forget the injustice partiality the political party played with us. We do not have qualm if our Mithilanchal is being trampled and kept backward for some political and PERSONAL GRUDGE.

If I am not wrong and kindly correct if there is some discrepancy in the fact that the then British Government had planned for an effective embankment of the river Kosi and created a corpus of Rs. 50 Crores for that. The project was shelved during the rule of Pandit Nehru. The same funds were diverted for the construction of Bhakra Nangal Dam in Punjab after the great famine in this reason. The people of this region (women) gheraod the PM who diverted the fund meant for the construction of Kosi dam. The interest of Mithilanchal was sacrificed for the benefit of Punjab.

No Congress crying and Lalu Rama can solve our problem. The Congress which feels so much pain and sent Rahul Baba for the moral boost up of the flood affected people might not be aware of the mischief that her grand ma and great grand father played with Mithilanchal. There was only tall figure in Mithila- late Laxam Jha who had the temerity to expose Mrs. Gandhi. This man of his model (Maithili people love to call him Batah, mad as a mark of reverence) started campaign to for a permanent solution to this problem and advocated the canalization and proper embankment of Kosi.

The cunning Congress headed by late Lalit Narayan Mishra, former Railway Minister started a whisper campaign against Jha and termed him a lunatic who was playing with an absurd idea of taming river Kosi. Congress might have forgotten this. Please do not cut a sorry figure and do not feel ashamed off Congressmen if I made you to remember you your hoary past.

Marandi calls for a common strategy to combat Naxalism

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Friday, July 11, 2008

It seems that the major political parties of the State are coming closer to each other to fight against naxal terror.

Despite political differences Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) supported NDA's call for State-wide bandh against the murder of Ramesh Singh Munda, JD(U) MLA from Tamar. Besides JVM, All Jharkhand Students' Union (AJSU) also extended its support to the bandh.Marandi, who in the past suffered the brunt of naxal attack and had lost his son in the year 2007, supported NDA called bandh by saying that the political parties must stop eulogising naxal and should speak with the same intensity against them irrespective of their ideological differences.

He expressed his willingness to join hands with other political parties. Similar sentiment was echoed by Sudesh Kumar Mahto, former Home Minister and Silli legislator.

However, in the past during the regime of Marandi, the first Chief Minister, an in-camera meeting of the leaders was convened to create a consensus to speak and adopt a similar line against naxal. The meeting was convened by former Speaker Indersingh Namdhari and the then Chief Secretary, VS Dubey had piloted a project to rein in the naxal groups.

However, consensus soon eluded and the proposals remained restricted to a part of academic discussion. The NDA Government again undertook similar exercise twice during the tenure of Arjun Munda which again failed to impress upon the political class. Despite the fact that the State has completed the trilogy of political murder, the present incumbent better thought not convene another meeting. The murder of Ramesh Singh Munda has revived the debate.

Marandi criticised the lack of all out effort, political differences and the issue not listed in the priority list of Government emboldened them to start killing of political leaders and people alike. Now, the ball is in the court of BJP and other political parties which are expected to show their political broadness.

Although Pashupatinath Singh, State BJP chief, welcomed Marandi's support. The BJP is yet to take a decision. But political differences and lack of direction would sure act as a great stymie. However, Singh welcomed the move and said that the party has taken a serious initiative to create political consensus and took strong actions against naxal when NDA was in power. He said the party had an open mind towards it.

Contrary to it, cutting across the party line most of the MLAs representing naxal infested areas are ready to join hands together if various 'ifs and buts' do not stop their party to see the reason in it. A sitting MLA, on the condition of anonymity, said that anybody could be the next unfortunate fodder of the guns of naxal group but personal vendetta, political differences in some of the extreme cases connection and sympathy with naxals stop them from taking a common ground against naxals.

Munda killing: Oppostion demands for Prez rule

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Friday, July 11, 2008

Agitated over the murder of Ramesh Singh Munda, JD(U) MLA from Tamar, NDA led by BJP has demanded the imposition of President rule in Jharkhand on account of the failure of the State Government to check a series of naxal violence in the State.

The murder prompted senior BJP leader and former Governor of Gujarat, Kailashpati Mishra to demand president rule in the State. Mishra traded his gun towards Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi by saying that tactical silence of the Governor on the issue could jeopardise the credibility of this Constitutional post.

While throwing two options before the Governor, either 'to recommend President rule or to quit', Mishra appealed the Razi to save the dignity of the post by fulfilling his Constitutional duty.

It is not only BJP or JD(U) that demanded for President rule; other political parties too have put the Koda Government in lather by demanding the same. However, Congress which has been demanding the exit of Koda Government from the last many months, has not made any specific demand of President rule.

Yet NDA's demand for the President's rule found support from Jharkhand Vikash Party led Babulal Marandi and All Jharkhand Students' Union led by Sudesh Kumar Mahto.

Both Marandi and Mahto supported NDA's call for a State-wise bandh against the killing of Munda. Unexpectedly, Annapurna Devi, who in past minced no word in criticising the State Government has also demanded President's rule in the State. Contrary to the stand taken by her party Rashtriya Janata Dal, Annapurna Devi is seen to have taken a tough stand against the Government this time too. However, the party quickly distanced itself from this statement. For Gautam Sagar Rana, president, State RJD the situation was not as extreme to aatract President's rule.

According to Arjun Munda, Leader to Opposition, the State wants immediate intervention of the Centre to control the situation as Government has seized to exist.

While clubbing Koda and UPA led by Congress together for turning the State as a theatre of naxal violence, he demanded President's rule. He also demanded 'white Paper' on the state of law and order in Jharkhand. JD(U) which suffered a major loss is on fore front asking immediate removal of Koda Government.

Jaleswar Mahto, president, Jharkhand JD(U) alleged that the silence of Congress belies its own stand against the State Government. Congress will surely have to face a brickbat in the coming days if it harps on the failure of the Koda Government.

An MLA who died young

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Thursday, July 10, 2008

The murder of Ramesh Singh Munda, JD(U) MLA from Tamar, has sent shock wave among all sections of political fraternity who have condemned the killing in strongest terms.

According to Leader of the Opposition Arjun Munda: "The slain leader was not provided with enough security despite his repeated requests. The Koda Government has failed to maintain the rule of law in the State and the days are not far when Maoists would challenge the Government in the State capital itself."

While attacking the Government he wanted to know the reason behind not providing security to Munda. "The situation warrants that Koda Government must resign", he demanded. Chief Minister Madhu Koda, on the other hand expressed shock on the incident and termed it an act of cowardice. "It would not deter the Government in its fight against maoists", he stated.

Alamgir Alam, Speaker, State Assembly expressed his grief over the death of Munda and said: "Munda would be remembered as one of the best legislators of the State who had a meteoric rise in politics due to his vision and proximity with the people...It is a gruesome killing of a future statesman of the State".

There is no Government in the State if there is any it is blind as well as visionless", said Indersingh Namdhari, former Assembly Speaker. While recalling his last meeting with Munda during Budget Session a visibly chocked Namdhari said that he would remember him for his pure heart. "This State has no future till this (Koda) Government continues in power", he said.

JD(U) MLA Radhakrishna Kishore, who termed the murder as unfortunate, said that there was no Government in the State. "Jharkhand has lost a son-of-the-soil and voice which represented unprivileged and down trodden. It was unfortunate that the State Government could not protect him knowing well that he was receiving threat from maoists" Kishore remanrked.

Girinath Singh, RJD MLA, said that the way a people's representatives are being murdered it causes concern. He demanded special security for the MLAs of the State on the line of Jammu & Kashmir, otherwise it would be impossible for the legislators to move in their constituencies since the State has become a free corridor of Maoists.

However, RJD props Koda Government in the State. The State Congress while denouncing this murder demanded an immediate resignation of Madhu Koda. Alok Kumar Dubey, spokesperson, State Congress said that this murder should not be seen in isolation. It exposes the failure of the claims of the State Government to protect the life of people. Currently 'law is in hell and order is disordered' under the current regime, he said.

Cong takes on BJP: Reveal ex-CM, Ministers' assets

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Wednesday, July 9, 2008

It may sound interesting Jharkhand Congress moving BJP way supporting its demand of a CBI inquiry of the alleged disproportionate properties of the Ministers of the State. But conditions apply!

Congress has asked two former Chief Ministers - BJP leader Arjun Munda and JVM chief Babulal Marandi - to declare their properties along with their former Ministerial colleagues before they start an agitation on this count.

While demanding this Pradeep Balmuchu, State Congress president, also asked them to reveal names of the corrupt Ministers of their regime and actions taken therein. Taking a dig at BJP and JVM for harbouring and maximising corruption Balmuchu said that NDA rule was the genesis of it which was added and abetted by Madhu Koda and his , ministerial colleagues.

"Congress in the past has already demand a through out inquiry of the properties of the Ministers of the State and asked Koda to lie bare the facts before the public", Balmuchu said.

"We are always ready to support any move if it involves the larger interest of the State but the party expects Munda and Marandi to reveal the misdeeds of these Ministers, things could have been different if NDA could have taken strong action against them, they were equally corrupt when they were Ministers of Munda's Cabinet", charges Balmuchu.

However, both Munda and Marandi publicly have no problem if their own regimes are too brought under investigation. But the two specific demands are taken as an attempt of the party to prove administrative and political inefficiency of the duo in checking corruption during their regime.

The open challenging demands of Congress might force BJP and JVM on backfoot since issue is sure to open a pandora box. Party hopes to unfold a dozen of dirty liana As the issue of the alleged properties of the State is soon going to be snow balled in to a major political agitation as the in a meeting of the core committee of the BJP the party has decided force Koda Government to institute a CBI inquiry in the whole matter.

Party has proposed an agitation starting from July 19 when it would form a human chain from State Assembly to Governor House while JVM its intention to hold State-wide agitation on this issue from July 14. Reacting over it Munda accused Congress for hopping with a ridiculous demand resulting from the repeated failure of the party against Koda Government.

Being the part of the Government Congress is free to investigate the property of BJP leaders on its own.

Marandi meets Guv, demands Koda to prove majority

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Saturday, June 21, 2008

The much-hyped meet of Babulal Marandi, president Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM), with Syed Sibte Razi, the Governor of Jharkhand has failed to impress veteran politician of the State.

Marandi had gone to meet the Governor demanding a special session of the Assembly to ascertain through floor testing whether the Koda Government enjoyed majority or not. At a time when the issue of support to Koda government has turned into a political football among UPA allies of Jharkhand, Marandi is supposed to have played a game of political maneuvering, accept his partymen.

Refusing to call it a game of political maneuvering and a tactical move to put any party in the tight spot on the issue of support, Marandi quoted the anti-government rhetoric of the State Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) which goes by saying the government lost the support of UPA allies.

"We can join hand with any party including BJP in pulling out the government which has lost moral as well as constitutional authority to govern", Marandi said.

But well placed sources said that the move had no significant political impact on the state politics since the party was not in a position to pull down the government by any stretch of imagination.

The JVM wanted to embarrass and expose Congress. Open invitation of Marandi to join hand with any political party to pull out the government should be read in this context. The party has been on the front to denounce the government and even indicated the withdrawal of support.

Reacting over it, Arjun Munda, leader to opposition and senior BJP leader said that Marandi might not have forgotten the last no confidence motion against the same government and he should explain his role behind the curtain.

Marandi lost his political credibility and the present government was continuing due to the blessings of Marandi, he said. Viranchinarayan, party spokesperson said that Marandi was trying to crack a political jock. Congress, which sees it a political innuendo hurled against it, dismissed it as a move to gain political mileage.

JVM is a one-man show with one MP and five members in assembly 'incognito' should know the political arithmetic, said Alok Kumar Dubey, spokesperson, state Congress.

"The party would continue with its agitation without seeking the support of other political parties of the state we do not relay on imaginative figure", said a Congress leader.

BJP plans huge protest against Centre, State Govts' failure

Navtan Kumar & Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Thursday, May 1, 2008

The Jharkhand BJP on Wednesday decided to launch a massive agitational programme against the UPA Governments at the Centre and in the State for their all-round failure, specially rising prices and acute crisis of water and power.

The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting presided over by State BJP president PN Singh and participated by BJP office-bearers, organisational secretaries and other prominent leaders at the State BJP headquarters.

Party activists from two districts will gherao the Chief Minister's residence from May 12 to 23 in protest against skyrocketing prices, acute crisis of water and power, uncontrolled corruption, administrative failure and overall situation of lawlessness in the State.

Gherao will be followed by "Jail Bharo" agitation. State BJP spokesperson Biranchi Narayan said, "In this connection, a meeting of all the office-bearers, organisations, party MLAs, district presidents, general secretaries and district in-charges have been convened in Ranchi on May 5." In another development, the party has announced to block power supply to the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister's residence if the Government failed to solve the prevailing power crisis.

Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister Arjun Munda alleged that the Government was not sincere in solving the power crisis. Munda also demanded the withdrawal of cases lodged against BJP MLAs and workers for ransacking the Jharkhand State Electricity Board (JSEB) office on Tuesday.

He said the party will launch a separate agitation if the Government failed to do so. The agitation will also include locking of all the GM offices of JSEB all over the State, he added. Meanwhile, Statement of Karuna Shukla, State in-charge of the BJP, regarding the homecoming of Babulal Marandi to BJP, has not cheered at least the Arjun Munda camp, which feels that it has created confusion about party's stand vis-a vis Marandi and his party and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha. Shukla, notably, said in a section of media, that Marandi may rejoin BJP.

Although Shukla corrected it by saying that it was a mere reiteration of party's stand to bringing back those who left the party for some avoidable reasons. What prompted Shukla to modify her statement was the umbrage of the top leaders.

The statement would help Marandi to gain political advantage free of cost to show his indispensability for the BJP, sources said. It is almost certain that the re-induction of Marandi would not be an easy political cakewalk for the party high command; it may have to face revolt in party's rank and file.

However, on different occasions, the party has been categorically denying Marandi's return to the BJP. A top party leader said the workers are ready to face a complete rout in the next Assembly elections rather than going to Marandi with folded hands.

While quoting the example of Uma Bharati, who could not damage the party, he said that the fear of the Central leadership had no base since Marandi's JVM would not be able to damage the BJP in the election, if the central leadership pay more attention to strengthen organisation rather than coaxing Marandi.

According to the highly placed sources, the possibility and prospect of Marandi rejoining the BJP was discussed in the meeting of the core committee of the State BJP attended by Ramlal, organisational secretary, central BJP; Shukla and the prominent party leaders of the State. A top party leader just after the meeting is said to have cornered Shukla for going soft on the induction of Marandi.

However, there are some other top figures in the party, including Kailashpati Mishra, who is in favour of the comeback of Marandi to tame Arjun Munda who has emerged as a stronger leader. The proposal to bring back Marandi met with opposition on the ground that the move would be seen as a complete surrender of the party before Marandi.

Sources close to JVM chief, hinted that Marandi would come back on his terms and conditions which obviously means chief ministerial post if the party comes back to power. However, Marandi kept a tactical silence on this issue and denied having any parley with the top BJP leaders.

For Marandi, too, it will be tough to convince many of his party workers who left their respective parties to join hands with the JVM. Ashok Varma, JVM media in-charge said that there was no possibility of Marandi joining BJP.

Bandh against Amarnath land fiasco a massive success

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi

The saffron brigade sponsored nationwide bandh against the decision of Jammu & Kashmir Government; cancelling order to land allotment to the authorities of Shree Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) for development of facilities for pilgrims drew a spontaneous as well as massive support in Jharkhand.

Reports coming from different district headquarters indicate normal life came to a standstill. If deserted roads, vehicles out of road, very thin presence of employees in the office, harried commuters and disrupted rail and bus services and the presence of saffron brigades are taken as a benchmark than Thursday's bandh deserves to be written as a historic one.

In Ranchi scores of BJP, RSS and VHP activists led by Arjun Munda along with the State president of party Pasupati Nath Singh, district president of party Gama Singh and Ganeshilal disrupted traffic at Albert Ekka Chawk and courted arrest.

The activists made massive demonstration at Firayalal Chawk and held procession. According to the police sources a total of 159 arrests were made by afternoon while it was more than 508 workers who courted arrest, according to the claim of the party.

They were released later on. Arrests were reported from Namkum area where the saffron brigades tried to stage dharna on the road. Ranchi bore a deserted look as all shops, schools, petrol pumps as well as cinema halls remained closed.

It seems that the call for bandh was reciprocated by the general public since no incidence of scuffle or forceful closure were reported barring some sporadic cases at Hariom Tower, Kuchary Chawk, Ratu road and Bahu Bazaar.

However no such disturbance in the rail traffic was reported in the State capital but the commuters were left stranded. Activists burnt tyres at different main roads of Ranchi and staged dharna in front of the Birsa stadium.

As far as the presence of employees in banks is concerned the band made a very light effect. However the SBI branch of Ashoka Nagar, road no. three had to stop its work for a while as activists are reported to have requested the bank to close down shutter as a mark of their solidarity. In view of the call for bandh, the State police made elaborate security arrangements. In Ranchi two companies of Jharkhand Arm Police were pressed in service while similar arrangements were made for other districts of the town, said RK Mullik, spokesperson, Jharkhand Police.

The reports from Dhanbad confirm the arrest of 67 band activists while Mumbai Mail and Rajdhani Express were tried to be detained. In Jamshedpur, few cases of moderate clash between police and activists were reported while nearly 1000 were arrested. The activists also tried to stop Barbil Jansatabadi and Tata Patna for some times. At Mango and Bistupur roads were tried to be blocked which was cleared later on.

The police made heavy bandobast in the Muslim dominated areas like Rani Kudar, Shastrinagar, Azad Basti and Dhatkidih. Although school going kids had to face problem since no vehicle was plying on the road.

In Bokaro, it was matched by a total shut down of shops nearly paralysing the life as no long and short route vehicles plied. Activists at Balidih area learnt to have kept the high way NH 23 blocked for few hours. Bermo too witnessed a total bandh including post office, schools and colleges as the BJP activists fanned in the area from early in the morning.

Former MP of BJP Ravindra Kumar Panday who led the bandh claimed that it would change the course of the future politics of nation as well as Jharkhand.While attacking the UPA and J&K Government for playing with the sentiments of the Hindu community, Arjun Munda said that Amarnath episode would prove the last nail in the coffin of UPA Government which was taking all such non sense and anti- national decisions to stay in power.

Elated over the mass support during bandh he said, "history repeated itself again after 18 years when Advani was arrested and kept at Masanjore and the agitation that time was matched with same vox populi. Band would prove to be last rite for UPA if it does not revert its decision."While terming the bandh as a sign of the solidarity of the Hindu community, Deopujari, Prant Sanchalak, RSS expressed his gratitude towards common men and business community and said that it again revived the nationalistic forces.

The message is louder and clear that people would not allow the Government to play in the hand of separatist forces.

Stay cool till Antony panel's report: Cong high command

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi July 1, 2008

Desperate over high octane performance of its political rival BJP during a three-day meet of its working committee, the State Congress seems to be wary to start polls preparation for the Lok Sabha elections.

The State Congress leaders are learnt to have sent an SOS to the central high command who in turn has asked them to stay cool till the report of AK Antony Committee is finally studied by the party headquarters.Formed some 10 years ago, AK Antony Committees' report gained significance after the Congress faced repeated discomfiture in the elections of Gujarat and Karnataka.

The seven-member committee comprising AICC general secretaries Digvijay Singh and Mukul Wasnik, Union Ministers PR Dasmunsi and Mani Shankar Aiyar, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and senior leader Urmila Singh, has been asked to present the main findings of the report soon.

The party sources said the seven-member committee had also been asked to suggest stratagem the party needed to put in operation in Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa where party is stated to be in poor health. If sources are to be believed if the findings of the report were implemented in Jharkhand it would affect a sea change in the organisation and some of the stalwarts and aspirants of party ticket could be the direct casualty of this. Apropos Jharkhand well-placed sources revealed that the party had indeed started preparing for next Lok Sabha polls.

Some of the names have been discussed although informally since a good numbers of leaders apprehend the next Lok Sabha polls along with Assembly elections could take place very soon. Talking about the party shying away or to say making a delay from announcing the names of candidates or formally announcing its polls campaign, a senior party leader said that central high command might take a major decision on its policy of polls alliance.

If committees' report finds favour the party might eschew from having any truck with regional parties like JMM in the State. It is one of the probable reasons, said the sources. At a time when the party is in the bid to rope in potential leaders from other parties, a piece of suggestion might disturb their strategy as for those who have joined the party bearing elections in mind, the report have suggested that their entry be declined from ticket distribution.

Meanwhile, the change of guards in different States and Jharkhand Governor being given extra charge of Orissa is seen as the party doing its homework secretly before it moves to polls battle. "It might not be surprising if the central high command takes a major decision on the fate of Koda Government in the near future. A look simple administrative reshuffle might be a prelude to a major political drama", said a senior party leader.

Rajnath's remark on quota for converted Christians untimely: BJP leaders

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi July 22, 2008

Giving a twist to politics of reservation BJP president Rajnath Singh's recent statement that his party was opposed to quota for converted tribal Christians and if NDA is voted to power at the Centre it would pass a legislation to do away with the provision has created ruckus among strategy makers and think tanks of the Jharkhand BJP. Bearing in mind the BJP's known stand on Hindutva Rajnath's statement is no revelation but it gains significance as party sources term it 'untimely' especially coming from a leader of his stature. Singh is stated to have said this at a Press conference during his stay in the State capital last Sunday.The sources added Singh should have better taken care of the fact that a large numbers of converted tribal Christians support the party in elections and were are massive presences of leaders belonging to tribal Christian groups in the party.What Singh said on converted Christians vis-a-vis reservation is diametrically opposite to what Lal Krishna Advani opined in Kerala. He is learnt to have said Christianity needed to be preserved and promoted in a true spirit that promoted Left parties of Kerala to dub it as a new found love of Advani to woo Christian community in a bid to expand its base in South. Contradictory stands adopted by two senior party leaders - one prime ministerial candidate and other national party president - provide ample clues that the party is still divided on such sensitive and vital issues which had once provided a launching pad to the party in the cow belt. In Jharkhand, particularly, the BJP is in a fix since the statement might boomerang affecting winability of the party in more than a dozen Assembly constituencies as well parliamentary seats. The State BJP is yet to decide whether to shine off the issue or not. A senior party leader and former MP on the condition of anonymity said, "The party should take care of the local aspects and it is better advised to stay away from including it in party manifesto." The BJP, which has made an obvious lead over the UPA courtesy soaring prices and repeated defeat of Congress in several Assembly elections, does not want to allow the latter to overshadow the party politically. Sources said such statements could have been timely and appropriate had it been given by a senior State party leader who is well versed with the political contours of Jharkhand. At least the party should avoid giving any official version since the matter was pending in the court, said a senior party leader. RSS, BJP give statewide bandh call on Amarnath land row Ranchi: Extending support to RSS-called statewide bandh scheduled on Wednesday against the alleged discrimination against Amarnath pilgrims by Jammu & Kashmir Government and SASB Act, BJP president Pasupati Nath Singh said the party would draw the attention of the nation towards the dual policy of the UPA Government against Hindus. To make the five-hour bandh a success the BJP has asked its party workers to ensure their presence felt. The Jharkhand bandh is a part of the national strike on this issue, State unit of the RSS was communicated by Jhandewalan, RSS head office, New Delhi. While blaming UPA playing a communal card to appease minorities RSS State in-charge Deopujari said every Indian had an equal right in J&K and that could not be compromised.

Bloom lotus in State: Rajnath

Vijay Deo Jha Monday, June 30, 2008

Nation is waiting for the BJP to make a comeback in the next parliamentary election to save the nation from disaster scripted by the UPA Government at Centre," said BJP president Rajnath Singh. He exhorting party workers in Jharkhand to repeat Karnataka to make the lotus bloom in Jharkhand while addressing the conclave of party workers on the last day of the meeting of the working committee of the State BJP.

Amid the chant of Jeetegi BJP Jeetega Bhagat, the party vowed to ensure that the lotus blooms in the State in the next parliamentary as well as Assembly elections, giving indication of the party returning to its core ideology of Hindutwa.

Touching upon the core issues that dog the nation, Singh in his hour-long inspiring speech lambasted the UPA Government led by the Congress as the biggest sponsor of terrorism --it turned India into a soft state and lost courage to hang Afzal Guru.

"It is a matter of shame and an assault on the pride of nation...Guru would be hanged the moment NDA returns to power," Singh said resolutely. To Singh the end motive of the politics of the Congress was to grab power while the politics of the BJP aimed at making a good society that was the reason the BJP ed an all-India stature and spreaded its wing in the south. On the issue of current price hike, the BJP national president feared the inflation rate touching another height, which would set the price north.

Referring to PM and FM, he said: "Nothing could be more ridiculous that price hike remained unchecked despite the lofty presence of two economists in the Union Cabinet." While comparing the NDA rule with that of UPA, Singh said that NDA was able to control price hike even the international relations were hostile to NDA after the test of nuke test, which resulted in tough economic sanctions. Hitting back at the UPA on its economic policy, he said it created food crisis and equally forced the farmers to go Vidharva way. There would be more Vidharvas if this Government continues to be in power," he apprehended. Both the UPA and the Left are trying to divert attention of people from the current price hike through a well-scripted drama on nuke deal, Singh said. He challenged the UPA to show its brave face before its Left allies on nuclear issue and added that the BJP would fight teeth and nail to safeguard the national interest. Hitting hard on the State Government, he ridiculed that there existed an unnatural yet unique Government in Jharkhand, an independent MLA as its MLA supported by national and regional parties sitting on fence. Terming it the most corrupt, he wanted Congress, RJD and JMM to explain their stand on the issue of support to the Koda Government. He also demanded a CBI inquiry into the governance of the present regime along with the properties of its ministers. While adding an unusual verve among the party workers, he praised them for their successful 12 days long agitation against the State Government and appealed they sink their differences if they wanted Lal Krishna Advani as the next Prime Minister.Besides Singh, the conclave was addressed by Arjun Munda, who announced the party to start similar agitation on farmers issue. The conclave was attended by senior BJP leader Kailashpati Mishra, Ravishankar Prashad, national spokesperson, Karuna Shukla, in-charge state BJP, Ganeshilal along with others.

Jharkhand Cong panel looks for potential leaders

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Monday, June 23, 2008

Like the State BJP, the Congress too seems to have set in motion its planning for the next parliamentary as well as Assembly elections without any obvious hullabaloo. Party is planning for a come back of all such potential leaders who had deserted the party in the past. Besides, it is also to rope in other such disgruntled leaders from the other parties who could make a difference to the party prospects in the coming polls.Well-placed sources said the party formed a four men committee comprising Gulfam Nazibi, vice-president State Congress, RP Raja, political advisor to Pradeep Balmucchu, president State Congress, JP Chaudhary and VP Sharan. The committee was asked to establish rapport among the leaders who either left party in the past or those willing to join the party.The sources said the committee having met with Ramesh Singh Munda, MLA from Tamar and Radhakrishna Kisore, MLA from Chhatarpur, both from JDU, and Uday Shankar Singh, MLA from Sarath from RJD. Besides the above-mentioned names some of the independent MLAs too are on the political radar of the party. Although the party is not willing to accept this fact yet, sources hinted the committee was formed months back but not on the paper.Currently the team is eyeing on Palamu constituency where the party is informed to have received good response where some leaders might join the party, said the sources. The party would undertake similar exercise in the region of north Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana. In a recently held appraisal meeting, some two days back, the committee is reported to have discussed the outcome of the exercise.However the party is yet to decide would it welcome the new entrant with party ticket? But the sources said that some of the potential candidates could be given party tickets at least in Assembly election. While denying the existence of such shadow committee, Balmucchu, president State Congress said that the party was open to every body provided one owes allegiance to the established ethos of the party.Meanwhile after staging a successful agitation against the State Congress, the party plans to under take the same in Kolhan region, probably in the last week of this month. After Kolhan the party would show its strength in Palamu, said Alok Kumar Dubey, Spokesperson State Congress. The State capital is learnt to be the last leg of the agitation. The top leaders of the party are hopeful of to turn it into a mega event by bringing its national president and chairperson Sonia Gandhi, general secretary Rahul Gandhi and some other top guns of the party. It is learnt that an invitation to this effect would be sent to the central leaders.But an equal number of party leaders are too apprehensive about the visit of Sonia for that purpose, a long-cherished dream of the leaders of the State. However, despite adopting a sincere, brave and fight to finish attitude towards the State Government, Jharkhand is not perhaps in the priority list of the central high command, rued a top leader of the party.

BJP likely to discuss LS poll candidates

Vijay Deo Jha

RanchiJharkhand BJP in a three-day meet of its Working Committee may finally sound poll bugle for the next parliamentary election by finally discussing and deciding the list of the prospective party candidates to be sent to the Central Election Committee (CEC) ahead of the election schedule.

Sources in the BJP indicated the CEC would convey the list to the State working Committee in the first week of July. The list might include the name of former BJP leader and independent MLA Indersingh Namdhari for Chatra constituency along with another party stalwart Yaswant Sinha for Hazaribagh. Three times winner Ramtahal Chaudhary from Ranchi, Kariya Munda from Khunti and Dukha Bhagat from Lohardaga and Jagmohan Ram from Palamu are some of the names that have emerged out of a prolonged parley in the party forum. The meet scheduled to be held from June 27 in the State capital is expected to be attended by Karuna Shukla, in-charge State BJP, Saudan Singh, Ganeshilal and office bearers of the party. The meeting could some decision on the home coming of some of the estranged leaders of the party including Gulsan Lal Ajmani, Ramji Lal Sarda and Nirvay Singh. The party sources hinted a possible comeback of some of the leaders who left party along with Mabulal Marandi. Although Pasupati Nath Singh, President State BJP denied having any such thing included in the agenda of the meeting of the working committee. The core meeting is likely to meet in the month of July to discuss the list of candidates. However, he indicated that seniority as well as the ability to win the election would be the sole criteria. But it is learnt that the core committee would hold a meeting for this on June 27 to finalise the list. But the party sources hinted that the central high command had already made up its mind regarding the prospective candidates; at least five names were decided during the Raisumari (opinion taking exercise) undertaken by Ramlal, organizational secretary. Although Ramlal had termed his visit as a part of the democratic process and a bid to bring the party close to the grass root. At a time when factionalism and internal strife has tapered off in the party, the central high command seems to have taken care of the interests of the different groups. A highly placed source did not rule out the possibility of Munda and Yaswant Sinha bagging the maximum number of tickets for their supporters.

G-4, Cong staging nautanki: RJD leaders

Vijay Deo Jha

Ranchi Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Rastriya Janta Dal (RJD), Jharkhand contradicted the party supporting the newly formed G-4, a combine of four independent Ministers in the Koda Government who are at loggerhead with their own Government. While terming it a political nautanki, the party advised them to resign if their own Government did not perform as per their expectation. The party also criticised the Jharkhand Congress for taking a unilateral decision without taking consent of other UPA allies. With this RJD emerged as a definite saviour of the Koda Government which has been facing revolt and discontent from inside and outside of the government.Gautam Sagar Rana, president, RJD said this while talking about the on going Nayay March of the party scheduled to be held on June 22. In view of the next Parliamentary RJD is vying with the other UPA allies of the state and has announced a set of political programme to strengthen its base. G-4 led by Stephen Marandi that indicated its intention to emerge as a political force in the state has intensified the political bickering amongst the UPA allies on the future of Koda government. It is learnt that the some more regional stalwarts and independent MLAs would be roped in this group in near future. Sources close to party indicated the Koda government having no immediate threat from RJD. But the party sees a definite hand of Congress behind the current posture of G-4 towards Koda government. While reacting to it Bhanu Pratap Sahi, minister of health said that G-4 did not require the support of RJD to move forward with its 27th point agenda. We have already submitted memorandum to the chief minister who in turn assured to take necessary action, he informed. RJD on its part has decided to take a soft stand against Koda government after firing salvo against it. But the party itself is clueless about how would it go soft towards the government during when it would start campaign to expose the failure of Koda. The party would act like a constructive opposition on the line of left parties at the center, said Annapurna Devi, RJD MLA. She blamed Congress for stalling the development of the state by raising bogey of withdrawal of support. What cause concern to RJD is the growing rhetoric of Congress towards Koda government is the growing rhetoric of Congress towards Koda government? The party has not kept its displeasure secret towards the agitation of Congress as a biggest hurdle in the way of the stability of the government. Hitting back to RJD, Congress blamed RJD leaders for shifting their stand against Koda government twice a day.

BJP's three-hour token strike a political faux pas: Leaders

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Jharkhand NDA led by BJP found itself on back foot for a good reason to go for a three-hour token strike against price hike in petroleum product against its pre decided stand of a daylong strike. State BJP spokesperson Viranchi Narayan said the party did not want to cause any inconvenience to the common mass and the token strike would equally carry our stand on price hike and the failure of the UPA Government in taming the spiraling prices. BJP leaders were busy in justifying the decision of the party with three different arguments. However, some of them shyly admitted that the party faltered on this point and committed a political faux pas. The only common thing among them is--the party decided not to cause inconvenience to the common mass, which was reportedly fade up with frequent strikes called by the political parties, a wise idea that came very late. The decision caused resentment among the party cadres and leaders as most of them wanted the party to think of the strike the day the State Government announced a tax relief of Rs 40 on LPG.

"It eroded popularity and mass support that the party bagged after a prolonged 12-day agitation", said a top leader. A relief of Rs 40 was the only fine decision of Koda Government under given circumstances and BJP could showcase it as its triumph in persuading the State Government to do this, he added. The highly-placed sources indicated the lack of consensus about why and when of the proposed strike was missing during the decision. The party could not find a suitable date. While declining it State BJP president PN Singh said the party opted June 10 in consultation with other leaders of NDA including State JD(U) president Jaleswar Mahto, Janta Dal United. But it is also a fact that June 6 was the most probable and agreeable date that could provide maximum dividend to party. The party sources indicated that several factors forced the leadership to change its mind. State BJP treasurer Mahesh Poddar opposed it by saying that business class could not support the bandh an apprehension that came true. The fate of strike became clear the day Koda announced concession. In fact BJP had geared up to make it a more historic than its 12-day agitation against the State Government which was not possible, commented a party MLA and former Minister in NDA Government. A senior party leader currently vying for the party ticket for Godda parliamentary constituency had forewarned the strike likely to turn in a political fiasco.Leader to the Opposition Arjun Munda, who spoke on the party line, said the current relief was eyewash and if the Government was really concerned about the common mass it should promptly slash taxes on essential commodities.

No timeframe, but early Govt exit inevitable, feel Cong leaders

No timeframe, but early Govt exit inevitable, feel Cong leaders

July and August would be crucial in this respect

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Monday, June 9, 2008

Officially the Congress in Jharkhand may appear to be in a "mood of war" against the State Government. It may not have fixed any deadline regarding the withdrawal of support, as yet, but three different opinions collide within the top rung of leadership on the issue. For Ajay Maken, in-charge, State Congress, there exists no timeframe, but the exit of the Government is inevitable. But contrary to it, Mabelo Rebelo, Rajya Sabha member from Jharkhand, said the party was not in a hurry to withdraw support from the Government. While another section of leaders hinted the party was to take a firm and final decision, read withdrawal of support, within two months. At a time when the party claimed having taken the common man in its stride during its agitation against the Government in Hazaribagh recently, and hopes to repeat the same in Dumka on June 9, three conflicting versions have, however, created confusion among the party workers. In a damage controlling exercise, the State Congress distanced itself from Rebelo and termed the statement having no official sanction. But sources hinted the party held a special meeting to assess the impact of the statement-- attended by Maken who reportedly asked her to retract her statement. Rebelo too denied having made any statement of this sort, yet the damage was done. Accordingly to party sources, Maken has reportedly advised the party leaders to hold manu vrata (observance of silence) till agitation. But Rebelo has many takers in the party. A senior party leader said the situation was not optimum for the party to take a decision in haste. The party would not be able to touch double figure if Assembly elections were held at this point of time. Reports coming from different constituencies of the State back this apprehension since barring four present MLAs, including Alamgir Alam, Sukhdeo Bhagat, the chances of others to make a comeback are dismally remote. Reports coming from Congress office indicate that the party would like a change of guard both on the organisational and State level including an important constitutional functionary of the State. Party sources hinted the months of July and August would be crucial in this respect. And if not, November would be the deadline where the State Congress would resort to mass resignation of office-bearers and MLAs of the party to exert pressure upon the high command.

Cong cons people on tirade against Koda

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi

The Koda Government has no immediate threat from the Congress, which launched an anti-Koda tirade in the State recently.

Top leaders of the party accept this fact in their private discourse. According to sources, the party is not expected to take any decision regarding the withdrawal of support before the month of December this year. If the sources are to believed, the party is planning to fight both Parliamentry and Assembly elections in the State at the same time and the current launch of agitation could be seen in this context.

But leaders see it a last chance for Maken, and party to save their face. However, senior party leaders, including Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister of State for Food and Processing, did not mince any word in saying that they were in the process to take some final decision, read withdrawal of support, within two months. But it has not set a deadline for it. unlike Simaria. A top party leader hinted that the central high command asked the State Congress to overhaul the party at grassroots in the state before pulling the rug. While conforming it, a senior party leader said that the State leaders were apprised of the defeat of party in Karnataka that stopped them to adopt a hard posture against the Government. In fact, the party fears anti-incumbency factor intensified more against Congress rather than Koda, who was needed to be softened before election if it least desired for a respected tally in the State in the next parliamentary election. A top party leader on the condition of anonymity revealed that toppling Government was not on the agenda of the Congress high command or Ajay Maken, in-charge to State Congress. The current agitation was launched to assess the strength and mass appeal of the party after its one of the top party leader Maken was lampooned by Opposition parties for staging a political melodrama on the issue of support. A top leader said that the agitation was the part of a pre-electoral exercise to assess the strength and the mass appeal of the party that waned in the last five months. Talking about the strategy of the party behind holding agitation Alok Kumar Dubey, spokesperson of Jharkhand Congress, said they would gherao the Government on at least 17 counts to expose its failure, while at the same time it intends to showcase the achievements of the UPA at the Centre.

Walk-in interview for potential Congmen at NSUI

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Tuesday, May 27, 2008

NSUI requires young dynamic and highly motivated professionals within 27 years of age to execute organisational and fieldwork. Requisite qualifications: Graduate, secular minded, ability to speak fluently on political issues, presence of mind, knowledge of Gandhi- Nehru family is must. Interested candidates can submit their CV to Nadeem Javed, national president, NSUI and Meenakshi Natarajan, secretary, AICC at party office Ranchi. Shortlisted candidates would be interviewed by the 'Talent Hunt Committee' headed by Rahul Gandhi, BK Hariprasad, Ajay Maken, Sachin Pilot, Ashok Gahlot, Ashok Tanwar, Jitendra Singh, Jagdish Tytler and Mukul Vasnik. The selected candidates would have to undergo training after which they would be given responsibilities both at State and national level. Don't confuse it as a classified of an MNC; it is NSUI that is looking for young genes in Jharkhand as a part of its national agenda to give a fresh look to the organisation. This has been going on all over the country from the month of February under the directives of Rahul Gandhi in a bid to present the Congress as a young men's party as opposed to the BJP occupied old faces.Javed and Natarajan who have been camping in Jharkhand received nearly 100 applications for walk in-interview. Javed informed that in the first round of interview the office bearers of NSUI from the State and district levels have been invited for the interview while the next step would cover office bearers from the university and college levels.In the daylong interview the candidates were asked several questions related to their political experiences, ideology, and academic qualification and obviously who was their role model (Rahul Gandhi is the only answer if you wish to remain in the wish list) and what they know about Gandhi-Nehru dynasty and the Discovery of India.Although Natarajan did not disclose the timeframe within which the whole process would be completed and when these selected youths would be assigned new responsibility. But I assure that once selected these youths would be given major responsibilities and they would have a major say in the policy matter of the State politics, said Natarajan. While senior party leaders were trying to catch the attention of party high command the claims of Natarajan hold no water. The idea of 'Talent Hunt' was floated by Natarajan at a meeting of the AICC after the dismal performance of the party in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.Javed termed the move apolitical having no connection with the affairs of the Youth Congress. But the sources within the party accepted this fact.Critics lost no time in scoffing the whole move another version of Chak De Bacche that would produce nothing except some gung-ho. Taking a dig at Rahul, senior BJP leader Arjun Munda termed whole exercise a move to project him as the only leader of youth. But the enthused party leaders including spokesperson of the State Congress and former president of State NSUI Alok Kumar Dubey indicated that such drives would help the Congress to reorganise in the state through its students' wing.