His Dumka visit had changed Indian politics

Advani to visit Dumka on Sept 23

Vijay Deo Jha

The State BJP would finally sound poll bugle from Dumka as senior BJP leader and leader of the Opposition LK Advani is expected to visit Jharkhand on September 23 when he would hold a public rally here. The party sources who confirmed this said that Advani would address a series of public rallies in the different parts of the State. Advani is expected to address a rally in Ranchi in October, said party sources.

Suspended BJP MLAs seek time from Speaker

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Out of five suspended BJP MLAs against whom the cases of disqualifications have been lying with Alamgir Alam, the Speaker of Jharkhand State Assembly, Vishnu Bhaiya, Manohar Tekriwal and Ravindra Kumar Rai filed their answers on Monday. All of them have sought 60-day time to explain their position.

Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi has also filed the answer. The decision on this account is likely to be taken after the session of the Assembly schedule to start from September 19.

If sources are to believed it is learnt that both Vishnu Bhaiya and Tekriwal would challenge their disqualification on the grounds that the BJP wanted their disqualification on hypothetical fear- they might cross the floor during trust vote which resulted in the seizure of their voting rights. Hence they technically remained no more BJP MLAs.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Rai dared the BJP leadership to take his head if it could do so. The constant challenge posed by these defiant party MLAs have put the BJP in political muddle. On the surface the State BJP appears unanimous for the disqualifications but the issue has created deep fissures among the party leaders. The piecemeal approach taken for their disqualification and politically a late realisation of the fact that the suspended MLAs needed to be disqualified- the answer to which has left most of the BJP stalwarts divided.

While a party section led by Arjun Munda was in favour of strong action against the five suspended MLAs owing to their proximity with Babulal Marandi- a known detractor of Munda. But move was stopped as the central leadership did not want to annoy Marandi- the central leadership still hopes for a rapprochement with Marandi.

Not hiding his disappointment over the whole issue a senior party leader hinted that a section of party leaders and the central BJP leaders too had no problem till these suspended five remained with the junior BJP (JVM). 'Actions were taken only after two of them deserted JVM', he said.

The State BJP filled the petition for disqualification of Vishnu Bhaiya and Tekriwal only after the duo deserted Marandi and sided with Shibu Soren. The party was politically constrained to file a fresh petition of disqualifications against the rest three suspended MLAs on a similar ground.

"The moment we collect proof against the rest of the three we filed another petition seeking similar action against the rest of the three namely Ravindra Rai, Kunti Singh and Pradeep Yadav", party chief whip CP Singh added. A senior party leader said the central high command was unwilling for strong actions against them till the last time. The move came as a victory for Munda who is learnt to have made it a point of his prestige but he had to drop his rigid stance to move to Supreme Court.

He knows his fate

Next LS election to decide Munda's fate

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Monday, September 8, 2008

The next parliamentary elections in Jharkhand would be crucial in deciding the political fate of many of the BJP celebrities particularly the former Chief Minister and present Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand Assembly, Arjun Munda.

The BJP central high command is learnt to have advised Munda either to perform or perish. According to sources, BJP could probably decide the issue of party leadership in Jharkhand after the performance of Munda in the next parliamentary elections. Notably, the central high command seems to have adopted stick and carrot policy.

The Munda camp, which pins its hopes that its leader would be able to manage a respective tally for the party in the next LS poll, feel that the former has been asked to make a big political sortie with clipped wings as the central leadership has still not clarified its stand on the issue of leadership nor it gave Munda free hand to decide the strategy for the poll that includes the selections of the candidates.

The party sources said that the central high command categorically wanted Munda to manage victory of the party in 12 parliamentary constituencies.

The revelation has come along with the fact that the central high command of the party is reported to be serious about taking some decisions about Jharkhand BJP after the month of November. The revelation might place Munda on an unstable political turf as the so-called crucial decision, as the sources indicated, is nothing but a fresh move to negotiate with Babulal Marandi, the former BJP leader and bete-noir of Munda. Marandi, who on several occasions ruled out that he ever desired to make a come back in BJP could find patronage of Lal Krishna Advani if the move materialises. But a section of the central leadership is learnt to be not in this favour.

Though the party hopes to bag at least 12 parliamentary seats in the State, a section of party leaders have started questioning the claim stating that Marandi with his growing presence would scuttle the plan of the party. Accordingly the detractors of Munda in the party have tried to convince the central high command that it would be difficult for the State BJP to win the seats without taking Marandi in BJP fold.

A senior party leader closely watching the move hinted that the central high command was not ready to give Munda a free hand hence the party stalwart has the limited option. However the BJP is yet to decide the name of the candidates for LS poll as the Munda camp is learnt to have asked for a greater say in the distribution of party ticket if the party wanted a respective tally in the State.

It is learnt that the central BJP could not afford to field both Marandi and Munda in the State politics at the same time fearing rebellion by the supporters of Munda. The possibility of the party mulling over a third option- Karia Munda replacing Arjun Munda might not be ruled out . On the whole issue, the Munda camp reacted by saying that the central BJP was preparing the draft of another political hara-kiri by inducting Marandi.

Balmuchu mulls replacing 'defunct' district heads

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Friday, September 5, 2008

Jharkhand Congress might start a major reshuffle of party presidents at district level, in near future. Pradeep Balmuchu, State president of the party, is reported to have prepared the list of the district units of the party and its presidents who are stated to have been lying defunct for the last three years. Some district presidents of the party could be removed in the reshuffle, sources said.

Along with this, fresh appointments have been recommended for the district units - Khunti, Ramgharh and Saraikela - where the party has been running without any nominated or designated president so far. At Saraikela, party has been running without a head after Sadhu Charan Mahto deserted the party.

The well-placed sources confirmed that Balmuchu who is staying in New Delhi is supposed to communicate this list to Ajay Maken, the State in-charge of Congress. The sources said that appointments could probably be made within three months once the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) clears the deck for the change.

Concerned over the falling graph of the Congress in view of the next Lok Sabha poll in the State scheduled to be held next year, the party leadership fears that it would be impossible to retain the respective tally. A month back a piqued State president threw warning letters to such district units and their presidents to reinvigorate the party organisation. The step was taken after these district units remained dormant and uninvolved in party sponsored programmes.

Balmuchu is not stated to be happy over the failure of much hyped 'Parmanu Yatra' in these districts where the yatra met with low turnout of the party workers.

If sources are to be believed, report submitted by Balmucchu contains the name of the district units of Santhal Pargana and Palamu division, where immediate changes were required. If the recommendations are approved by Maken and AICC, then the district presidents of the party at Deoghar, Dumka, Jamtara, Sahebganj, Godda, Pakur and a couple of other could be replaced.

Even if the State Congress needed organisational change but it might not be an easy affair for the party and Balmucchu; said a senior Congress leader. The opponent of Balmucchu within the Congress might encounter him to define and justify the term 'defunct' - a ground for removal, as some district presidents close to Balmucchu too fall within the definition.

As these changes could take place anytime, different party factions have moved to install their favourite. At Deoghar, the senior Congress leader Omprakash is stated to have staked claim. About Godda, the sources said that Congress stalwart and MP Furkan Ansari wanted the replacement of Jayakant Thakur. While at Lohardaga, the senior party leader Rameswar Oraon is learnt to be backing a young figure, Sakil Ahmed for district president- replacing the existing DCC chief Pran Prasad Jaisawal.

The move of an expected change has also alerted the party MLAs and the detractors of Balmucchu who unlike the last time wanted a truly elected president.

Bloom Lotus

BJP's election panel for LS poll announced

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Thursday, September 4, 2008

Ready to take on the UPA in the next parliamentary elections in Jharkhand, the State BJP announced the names of the election committee for the State. The committee consists of 15 members including party State president Pashupati Nath Singh, Leader to Opposition in the State Assembly Arjun Munda, national vice-president Yaswant Sinha, member of BJP national working committee Karia Munda, Rajya Sabha MP Jayaprakash Narayan Singh, former MP Bapu Apte, former BJP State president and MLA Raghubar Das and Dineshanand Goswami, State general BJP.

The well placed sources said that the State BJP is planning to hold workshop and session for the party spokesperson of different district units of the party in the month of September. The two senior BJP leaders and central spokesperson of the party - Prakash Javedkar and Ravishankar Prasad - would impart training for better media management.

Another committee for the smooth coordination of election management has been constituted where the senior BJP leader and MLA, Saryu Roy has been asked to see the legal aspects.

Another senior BJP leader Chandra Mohan Prasad has been nominated as election coordinator along with Ganesh Mishra who has been placed in the charge of Santhal Pargana. Although, the party has yet to decide the media cell this is likely to be announced the next month.

'Suitable boy' falls under matrimonial advertisement spell

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi RANCHI Saturday, August 30, 2008

Wanted a fair, slim, beautiful, well-educated bride good at household works, age around 30 years for the youngest and handsome minister of the Jharkhand Government.

Though this may look like an ordinary matrimonial advertisement, but the hard fact is that when it comes to getting a dream bride, even the so-called "the suitable boy" and most-eligible bachelor of Jharkhand, Bhanu Pratap Shahi, the youngest Minister in the Soren Government, leaves no chance to flaunt himself through the publicity channels.

Ask him a simple question, "When will you marry mantriji," and he would blush like any other groom. The dimples add grace to his smile. Bhanu Pratap Shahi has been holding important portfolios like labour, health and family welfare, hence he got little time for marriage, a close associates of mantriji say that Shahi works overtime, till late night to ensure the people of the State remain healthy.

While his friend Sudesh Mahto got married when he was the Home Minister during the Arjun Munda Government, Shahi has still kept people guessing about his dream girl. However, the family of mantriji have tried their best to persuade him and even finalised his marriage last year, but negotiation failed to fructify into marriage.

Then the mantriji is learnt to be disinterested in marriage, but the scene is different now. His close aide Sanjay Jha confided that this year mantriji would certainly tie the knot. "We will publish matrimonial in the newspaper for a suitable bride for him," said Jha. A close aid of Shahi said that he wanted a beautiful and educated bride for himself for which the search is going on.

Probably the mantriji would have no choice but to marry this time. His fans and supporters hope that mantriji would cheer his father who is learnt to be angry with his high profile son, and Shahi would hopefully find time for marriage.

Rebel BJP MLAs' voting rights suspended

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Friday, August 29, 2008

A day before the trust vote, the Jharkhand Government-led by Shibu Soren received a major jolt as Assembly Speaker Alamgir Alam suspended the voting rights of the two suspended MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - Vishnu Prasad Bhaiya, MLA, Jamtara, and Manohar Kumar Tekriwal, MLA, Godda.

The duo had announced their decision to extend their support to Soren in forming the Government in Jharkhand. The other three MLAs - Kunti Singh, Pradeep Yadav and Rabindra Roy - have been allowed to take part in the proceeding during the trust vote. The decision was taken under the light of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution.

However, none of them filed their answer to the show cause notice sent by the Speaker on Wednesday asking them to submit their answer on their disqualification till 5 pm on Thursday. The sources confided that all of them sought 60 days to submit their points. Turning down their request, the Speaker finally gave them 10 days time to submit their answer.

The Speaker took this decision as two days back the delegation led by leader to the Opposition Arjun Munda submitted another petition to the Speaker alleging them of violating the 10th Schedule of the Constitution by joining hand with JVM and JMM.

Meanwhile the State BJP has termed the decision as too little and too late. The chief whip of the party, CP Singh said that the party could have welcomed the decision provided the Speaker could have been fair enough to realise the charges of anti party activities levelled against them.

He termed the extension given to them as malafide as well as bad in the eyes of law. He said that all five suspended MLAs should be disqualified without delay.

Meanwhile the NDA held a close-door meeting at the residence of Munda. The senior party leaders including State BJP resident PN Singh, State JD (U) president CP Singh, senior JDU leader Jaleswar Mahto attended the meet. The party is still mulling to approach the Supreme Court to seek the disqualification of these MLAs.

Munda said that the suspension of the voting rights of the two suspended MLAs was a half-baked decision. The party protests over piecemeal decision on their disqualification. We have kept our option open to approach Supreme Court if the justice was not delivered.

BJP MLAs to face axe today

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Thursday, August 28, 2008

Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Alamgir Alam served a notice to five suspended BJP MLAs for their alleged violation of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution related to anti-defection.

The Speaker asked these MLAs to present their point till 5 pm on Thursday and, he will take a decision on the disqualification by six in the evening. The five MLAs include Vishnu Bhaiya, Manohar Tekriwal, Pradeep Yadav, Rabindra Roy and Kunti Singh. Meanwhile, the main Opposition party, BJP would file a case in the Supreme Court to seek disqualification of these MLAs. Learning lessons from the past the BJP has decided to go up to any extent to disqualify these MLAs who are learnt to have been involved in anti-party activity.

Alam, who confirmed to the report, said his office issued notice to these MLAs and he wanted the decision before the House commences its special session on August 29 where Chief Minister Shibu Soren would seek trust vote.

Leader to Opposition Arjun Munda, who is supposed to reach New Delhi on Thursday, held a meeting with the senior party leaders to decide the move of the party on this. If sources are to believed then Munda held a meet with the senior BJP leaders including LK Advani and Arun Jaitley. Three of its suspended MLAs joined hand with Jharkhand Vikash Morcha, (JVM), led by Babulal Marandi while two others Vishnu Bhaiya and Manohar Tekriwal supported the JMM chief Shibu Soren in his bid to form the Government.

The pressure exerted by the BJP seems to have yielded result as the party already sent ultimatum to the Speaker to expedite the proceedings. The well-placed sources confided that the party already decided to move to Supreme Court if it fails to get favourable decision on this issue.

A day back a delegation led by Munda submitted petition to the Speaker alleging that all these five MLAs flouted the 10th Schedule of the constitution by joining hand with JVM and JMM. The petition wanted the disqualification of Rabindra Roy, Pradeep Yadav as they were the part of the delegation of JVM that met the Governor asking for the President Rule in the State. It also alleged them for involving in anti-party activity during the by-elections held for Kodarma, Palamu and Jamshedpur Parliamentary constituency and assembly election of Simaria.

While talking to The Pioneer, Munda said the party feared horse trading during the trust vote and said there was urgent necessity under the circumstances to decide the question since all these five MLAs subjected themselves to disqualification on the ground of anti defection law.

Meanwhile, BJP State president Pashupati Nath Singh demanded the Speaker to debar all 11 MLAs from Assembly proceedings that are facing charges of disqualification under the 10th Schedule and rules regulating to the membership of the Jharkhand State Assembly.

Horoscope of Guruji

Guruji goes with Dhanu lagna, astrologers think otherwise

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Since the time memorial the man's desire to know future has driven him to consult invariable postulates, astrology, being a popular one, has never deserted our society, particularly Indian politics where several astrologers could been seen predicting future of high and mighty.

However, stars have always ditched Shivcharan Manjhi alias Shibu Soren alias Guruji alias Disom Guru in his political career at a time when he was on the verge of occupying a plum position.

The stars earlier showed him 'a nine days wonder' and the same stars played dice with him resulted in an unceremonious exit from the post of the Chief Minister after nine days in the office in 2005. Guruji would take oath as the Chief Minister on Wednesday on between 3:30 pm to 4 pm hoping stars would favour him this time.

As you like it, you may call it the political conspiracy of the detractors of Guruji or his political faux pas or his nakshatras ( planets) that forced Guruji out of the Union Coal Ministry and he failed to secure the berth in the next Cabinet reshuffle.

The UPA Government nearly declined to allocate him his pet Ministry even he voted for the UPA. Every time his planets were made responsible for the predicaments of Guruji.

Playing safe as per the advice of the astrologers Soren has chosen the most auspicious time- between 3.30 pm to 4 pm in Dhanu Lagna with Jupiter, the owner of the house occupying sign where the Jupiter which rules power is supposed to be strong.

Talking about the planetary position at the time of swearing-in ceremony, noted astrologer Rajeev Jyotiryogi said with Mars, Mercury and Venus occupying the Karma Bhav (the house of action) it would add in the political influence of Guruji. And what about the Bhagya Bhav (the house of fate), it is too occupied by Sun again favouring him in his political pursuit.

One more planetary combination where the Jupiter and the Moon positioned at 180 degree angle forms Gajkeshri Yoga which would help me to tame his opponents which are many in number.

But Guruji opted for Dhanu Lagna that holds a dual nature hence his political uncertainty would keep bothering him. Guruji will have a smooth sailing through the month of November till Jupiter firmly holds its position in its house. As par the transits of the planets astrologers predict danger ahead for Guruji once Jupiter moves to another sign, Makar Rasi in the month of December when it would be in debilitated position.

The second house which represents the Ministry is currently occupied by Rahu does not augur well for the Government. The moment Jupiter associates with Rahu it will start trouble for him as forms Guru-Chandal Yoga which is considered to be unfavourable. The fall of the Government, resentment among the Cabinet colleague could not be ruled out as per the current planetary positions.

Some astrologers think that Guruji should better have opted August 28 for oath taking ceremony since this date has a rare combination of Jupiter with Pusya Nakshtra and the day (Thursday) too is ruled by the Jupiter that could have brought much stability for the Government. While talking about it Rajeev said that August 28 should have been favoured for such occasions as the day opens with the Variyan Yoga which brings fortune in such cases.

The JMM workers anticipate that this time the distant stars in the sky and the political stars from in Ranchi as well as Delhi are remain in perfect combination and the Government survives. Amen!

Guruji, UPA top bosses woo peeved Cong MLAs

Guruji, UPA top bosses woo peeved Cong MLAs

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi August 27, 2008

Trying to put the political odds in order, JMM chief Shibu Soren drove to Congress MLAs who are learnt not be happy with the support extended to Soren by the Central high command of the party.

On Tuesday, Soren made a sudden visit to State Congress president Pradip Balmuchchu's residence where the party MLAs were holding a meeting. At a time when the Congress MLAs do not hide their resentment against the decision of the party by not attending any programmes of the UPA, including at the Governor House and the UPA meet in the State capital, Soren and top UPA leaders, including Subodhkant Sahay, are trying to persuade nine MLAs of the party.

The sources said the Congress MLAs have demanded from Soren to implement and monitor the Common Minimum Programme which they alleged were not followed during the Koda Government. They also demanded the constitution of the Steering Committee and its regular meeting.

The party which in past criticised the Koda Government for its failure on the central sponsored programme like NREGA wanted the proper monitoring of such programmes. While talking to the stand of the party, party spokesperson Alok Dubey said that the party extended the support provided the development of the State were taken care of.

The Congress which looks worried in view of the Lok Sabha elections in the State does want the State Government to take a ride of the development. The meeting was attended by the party MLAs - Balmucchu, Niel Tirkey, Manoj Yadav, Thomas Hansda, Sukhdeo Bhagat, Israel Ansari besides party MPs includes Sahay and Furkan Ansari.

BJP seeks MLAs' heads for supporting Shibu

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi August 26, 2008

Jharkhand BJP has demanded the Assembly Speaker to immediately disqualify two of its suspended party MLAs -- Vishnu Bhaiya and Manohar Tekriwal -- who supported Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Shibu Soren in forming the Government in Jharkhand.

A delegation led by leader to Opposition in the Assembly Arjun Munda met Speaker Alamgir Alam and asked him to disqualify the MLAs under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution. Munda also demanded that the duo should be debarred from taking part in the proceedings of the Assembly till the matter was finally decided.

Munda told The Pioneer the party submitted the supporting materials to assert that both of them were involved in anti-party activities ---- a ground enough for their disqualification. The party referred the decision of the Supreme Court in which the court in a case of similar nature, declined to give relief to Jainarayan Nishad, MP, Bihar.

To make its case stronger the party also cited the case of the Haryana Assembly where the Speaker had disqualified an MLA for defying the party line. About the other three suspended MLAs the party demanded the same action.

At a time when the BJP leaders were demanding their disqualification, both Vishnu Bhaiya and Tekriwal were present at the Governor House along with Shibu Soren, who had gone there along with 42 MLAs to stake claim for the formation of Government in Jharkhand. Reacting over it, Tekriwal said they would continue their support to Soren as per the call of their conscience irrespective to what BJP thinks.

In a further development, the State NDA held a meeting to draw the next line of action. A day back, BJP national vice-president Yaswant Sinha had asked Governor Syed Sibtey Razi to invite the BJP to explore the possibility of the formation of the Government. The party is learnt to have decided to hold agitation if the Governor fails to follow the constitutional norms.

NDA claims constitutional right to form Government

Vijay Deo Jha/Anupam Rana Ranchi August 25, 2008

It will not be cakewalk for the JMM as the State BJP joined the race to from the Government as it claimed to be the single largest party having 29 MLAs. Earlier, the party was in favour of the fresh mandate but now the top leaders of the party started brainstorming to meet Governor Syed Sibtey Razi to stake their claim.

BJP national vice-president Yaswant Sinha told the media Razi should invite the BJP for having the maximum MLAs in the 81-member House. "The Governor has no choice but to invite us to prove majority on the floor of Assembly," Sinha said, adding that other alternatives should be explored only after the party fails to prove majority in the Assembly.

Sinha, who was in Ranchi to chart out strategy for the next move of his party following resignation of the Madhu Koda, said as per the constitutional norms, the BJP has the first claim to form the Government in the State. According to Sinha, the BJP is the largest single party in the State and the Governor is duty-bound to invite the party for forming the Government.

He cited the example of Karnataka, where Governor Rameswar Thakur invited the BJP on the ground of being the single largest party in the House.Former Union Finance Minister said that the party is expecting that the Governor will refer the case of Karnataka. "Even after 24 hours of resignation of the Koda Government, the Governor has not taken any move or invited any party to prove majority on the floor of Assembly. Even the Governor has not taken any move for an alternative Government," Sinha said.

If the allies of the NDA are taken together, the BJP has 29 MLAs (this includes the five suspended MLAs) and JD(U) has four MLAs amounting to 33 which again require the support of another nine MLAs to gather the magic number (41). However, Sinha did not say anything about how would the party manage to win new friends to win the floor test. He said that the party would chart out future course of action if it receives invitation from the Governor. The way the JMM poached at least two suspended party MLAs of the BJP --- Vishnu Bhaiya and Manohar Tekriwal --- and learnt to be roping other MLAs of JD(U), it has put the BJP in alert mode. Sinha demanded that the Governor must not allow the defectors of other parties to sign the support letter without court affidavit.

About the five suspended MLAs of the party, the well-placed sources maintained that the party had almost completed the legal procedures against them. The party will move to Speaker Alamgir Alam to pressurise him to take appropriate decision to disqualify the BJP rebels.

In another major development in the camp of BJP, former Health Minister Dinesh Sarangi said the party has decided to launch Statewide agitation if the Governor fails to follow the established constitutionals norms in inviting the BJP for forming the next Government.

Saragi alleged that the Governor is being remote controlled by the Central Government. "It appears that Razi is dilly-dallying without valid reasons. If there is violation of the constitutional norms in the formation of the Government, then, the party will adopt legal, constitutional and political measures to seek justice," he added.

Senior BJP MLAs like Saryu Rai, Raghbar Das, CP Singh were camping in the State and holding series of meetings to counter the JMM. Former Speaker and Independent MLA Inder Singh Namdhari also participated in the NDA meeting.

Madhu Koda resigns

Vijay Deo Jha/ Rajiv Ranchi August 24, 2008

The Chief Minister Madhu Koda who lost majority after the withdrawal of support by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), on August 17, tendered his resignation to Governor Syed Sibtey Razi, on Saturday.

Koda resigned two days before he was scheduled to prove his majority on the floor of the House on August 25. The Governor asked him to continue till further arrangements. With this the 12-day-long political drama in Jharkhand has ended, but a new one has begun with speculation if Soren will be able to form a new Government since Koda and co. have refused to support him.

Five Ministers of the Koda Government including Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi, Health Minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi, Urban Development Minister Harinarayan Rai, Welfare Minister Joba Manjhi and Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Chandraprakash Chaudhary also accompanied Koda to the Governor's residence on Saturday evening.Koda said, "I tendered the resignation since I feel that the Government has lost the majority in the House".

While terming the whole affair as 'unfortunate and motivated' he said that for the last 23 months his Government was running successfully with the support of the UPA but unnecessary problems and hurdles in the way of the Government were created which forced him to make an exit.Later, while addressing media persons at the Governor's residence, Koda ruled out the possibility of his support to JMM chief Shibu Soren in his bid to form the Government in the State. On being questioned whether he would like to be chairman of the UPA Steering Committee in Jharkhand or could be inducted in the Government in the capacity of the Deputy Chief Minister, Koda said that he had no intention to be the part of any Government led by Soren.

Koda also ruled out that he would prefer a berth in the Union Cabinet.He said that he along with other independents with him would oppose the installation of a Government led by Soren. "Between the new Government and fresh elections in Jharkhand they would prefer the latter", Koda asserted.

The outgoing Deputy Chief Minister and close aide of Koda, Stephen Marandi, without hiding his distaste for Soren, said that they (the independents) were ready to face any eventuality. "There is no question of any truck or adjustment with the JMM in the next Government.

"We opt for the elections rather than supporting Soren and his party in the formation of the Government", Marandi asserted.Earlier, Koda who returned from New Delhi after consulting top UPA leaders on Saturday, held a close door meeting with five independent MLAs at his residence where the group decided to tender resignation as the Government was reduced to a minority.

Surprisingly, the other two independent MLAs and ministers of the Koda Cabinet- Water Resource Minister Kamlesh Kumar Singh and Rural Development Minster Ainosh Ekka who were equally vocal in their support to Koda were not present at the meeting.

The sources hinted that the duo could be supporting Soren in garnering the majority. Although power corridors were abuzz with the rumor of Koda being instructed by the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to resign? While clarifying it, Nazam Ansari, a close aid of Joba Manjhi said that . Sonia asked them to elect the Chief Minister in the State on the basis of consensus which was in favour of Koda, a fact that Soren and his coterie refused to accept which led to the resignation of Koda.

In the circumstances, JMM chief Shibu Soren would have a great task to form the next Government as it lacks the magic number even though RJD chief Lalu Yadav has also pledged his party's support to Soren. Soren after returning to Ranchi from New Delhi on Saturday swung into action and started charting out political games to prove the magic number in the Assembly.

Jharkhand NDA fears murder of democracy

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi August 23, 2008

Tightening further its noose around the UPA in Jharkhand, legislators of Jharkhand NDA, led by the BJP, staged a dharna in front of the office of Assembly Speaker Alamgir Alam on Friday, and demanded disposal of the cases of disqualifications of nearly 10 MLAs before the trust vote on August 25.

The NDA took the step after the Speaker failed to meet their demand to take a decision within 24 hours. The NDA has decided not allow the UPA to repeat Goa in Jharkhand. The BJP has asked the Speaker to disqualify five suspended MLAs of the party for violating the Anti-Defection Law.

It asked Governor Syed Sibte Razi to instruct the Speaker to take the decision in the light of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution without delay.In a meeting attended by party MLAs and State BJP president Pashupati Nath Singh, the State BJP through a resolution authorised Arjun Munda, the leader to the Opposition, to take a decision on the fate of the five suspended MLAs of the party whose cases of disqualification are pending with the Speaker.

Vishnu Bhaiya and Manohar Tekriwal, the two suspended party MLAs have already reiterated their support to Shibu Soren while other three other suspended MLAs of the party - Pradeep Yadav, Kunti Singh and Ravindra Roy have not disclosed their mind.

In a late night development, the BJP legislators held a meeting in the State Capital. Sources hinted that the party might take legal recourses if the UPA and Soren, the current aspirant for the post of CM, adopt foul means to cobble majority with the help of the five BJP defectors. Not willing to disclose further the game plan of the party, the well-placed sources said that the party would hold a crucial meeting the day before the trust vote once Munda returns from abroad.

Later in a joint Press conference of the BJP and JD(U), State BJP president Pashupati Nath Singh and State JD(U) president Jaleswar Mahto demanded the Governor not to invite any party to form the Government in the State without proper physical verification of the claim of the support.

While criticising the State Congress and Rastriya Janta Dal for creating political instability in the State, Singh blamed that both the warring political dispensations (Chief Minister Madhu Koda and Shibu Soren) in Jharkhand were trying to foray other political parties through split.

Not hiding the concern towards a possible foul play and the misuse of the Anti-Defection Law during the trust vote similar on the line of year 2005 when the court had to intervene in the matter, the NDA threatened to launch agitation in Jharkhand if the Speaker and the Governor failed to stop the murder of democracy. Meanwhile the NDA have demanded fresh elections in the State alleging that both Koda and Soren had lost the trust of the people. "Fresh elections are the only solution to the current political uncertainty of the State," said Mahto.

BJP threatens dharna to expedite MLAs' ouster

Vijay Deo Jha/Anupam Rana Ranchi August 22, 2008

The Jharkhand BJP would stage a dharna in front of the Assembly on Friday in a bid to pressurise Assembly Speaker Alamgir Alam to take within 24 hours a final decision on the issue of the disqualification of MLAs whose cases have been pending with the Speaker for the last one-and-half year.

A delegation of party MLAs led by State BJP president Pashupati Nath Singh met the Speaker demanding him to resolve the matter within 24 hours failing which the party would stage a dharna. The party blamed the UPA for misusing the 10th Scheduled of the Constitution as an instrument to make or mar the Government. Jharkhand Vikash Morcha led by Babulal Marandi has also demanded an early decision on the disqualification of the MLAs.

Fearing a possible foul play and horse-trading during the confidence motion scheduled to be tabled by the Madhu Koda Government on August 25, the BJP wanted a permanent seal on the fate of these MLAs, including five suspended BJP MLAs, who could prove crucial in the numbers game.

The two suspended party MLAs including Vishnu Bhaiya and Manohar Tekriwal have already joined the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). While a couple of another suspended party MLAs could also support JMM chief Shibu Soren to become the Chief Minister, fears by the party. While clarifying his stand, Alam said any decision on this matter would be taken after going through all the legal aspects.

However, he did not mention any time frame within which the decision could probably be taken. But he added that the House already completed five hearings of the cases of Pradeep Yadav, Ravindra Roy, Kunti Singh, Vishnu Bhaiya, Manohar Tekriwal and Bhanu Pratap Shahi which required one more hearing hence the decisions would be made very soon.

He also asserted that the House would not allow any manipulation and foul play during the trust vote. "On that day, the entire proceedings of the House would be telecast followed by the video recording in order to maintain transparency," he said. Meanwhile the State Congress criticised the BJP for playing pressure politics.

Alok Kumar Dubey, spokesperson, state Congress said the 24-hour ultimatum was absurd both politically and constitutionally, and blamed the BJP for besmirching the reputation of the chair of the Speaker. He questioned the reason behind silence of the BJP for such a long time and said that the cases of disqualification had been pending during the NDA rule in Jharkhand when Inder Singh Namdhari was the Speaker of the Assembly.

The NDA did take the decision on their disqualification at that time to save its Government which was running with the support of these independent MLAs. While countering the claim of the Congress, former Speaker Namdhari termed the allegation as bogus and said he had already passed verdict on the case of disqualification filed by Kamlakant against Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi.

Regarding the disqualification of Enos Ekka, Namdhari asserted that he had already completed the hearing and the present incumbent needed to pronounce the judgment. "No case remained pending during my tenure," he said. He warned that the way the decision on such matters was delayed due to political reasons it has already prompted the judiciary to inter into the arena of Speaker's jurisdiction.

Fall in party line or face music: State BJP to MLAs

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi August 21, 2008

The Jharkhand BJP is learnt to be in a mood of fight to finish against the suspended party MLAs, including Vishnu Prasad Bhaiya MLA Jamtara and Manohar Tekriwal, MLA Godda, if the duo disobey the party whip during the confidence motion scheduled to be tabled by Chief Minister Madhu Koda on the floor of the House on August 25.

According to the well-placed sources in the party, the State BJP is also closely monitoring the move of some more MLAs of the party, which includes Tala Marandi, MLA Berio, who are learnt to be in contact with the JMM.

Meanwhile, in a latenight development, the BJP asked the Assembly Speaker to decide on the disqualification of Independent MLAs whose case has been pending with him for the last one year. The party gave 24-hour deadline to the Speaker to take a decision on the issue failing to which they will gherao the Assembly Speaker. It was decided in a meeting of the party MLAs, attended by State BJP president Pashupati Nath Singh, chief whip CP Singh and scores of party MLAs in the Assembly.

According to the sources, the BJP would finally decide its strategy on August 23 and it is expected to issue a one-line whip asking all the party MLAs follow the party whip. Meanwhile, the party started working over protecting its fold from any further poaching by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, (JMM). While talking to The Pioneer, Arjun Munda, the senior BJP leader and leader of Opposition who is in America, said the party was no more in the mood to brook any act of indiscipline behavior by any party MLA. The party would demand their disqualification if they choose to abstain during the voting or side with Soren.

Munda who accused the UPA and the Congress for creating political uncertainty in Jharkhand said the UPA leadership was promoting horse-trading in the State. "The BJP wants fresh elections in the State as both Koda and Soren are trying to garner support through unethical means," he added. While both Vishnu Prasad and Tekriwal have announced their support to Shibu Soren for the post of the Chief Minister of the State replacing Koda.

The BJP has suspended Vishnu Bhaiya and Tekriwal along with three other MLAs - Pradeep Yadav, Ravindra Roy, Kunti Singh - from party membership for defying party line. Later, they joined hand with Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM).

Meanwhile All Jharkhand Students' Union will hold its meeting to decide its strategy. AJSU president Sudesh Mahto said the party would hold meeting within two days. "We want fresh election in the State and our strategy reflects what we want," said Mahto. Although there is less possibility of party MLA Chandra Prakash Chaudhary falling in line of the party, Chaudhary currently holds portfolio in the Koda Government.

I'm backed by independent MLAs: Koda

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi August 13, 2008

Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Tuesday ruled out that he was asked by the UPA leadership and Union Rail Minister Lalu Prasad to step down from the post of Chief Minister to make way for JMM chief Shibu Soren.

Koda also ruled out any possibility of his resignation from since he was backed by the independent MLAs in the State. "No leader of the UPA, including Lalu Prasad, asked me to step down. It is a matter of the collective decision of the UPA and till this date I am not aware of what Soren said on the withdrawal of support," he said.

"They (independents MLAs) are with me and we are running the Government collectively hence I do not find any reason to be panic," the Chief Minister said, on the sideline of the inaugural function of the multi-purpose building of the Department of Labour and Employment in Ranchi.

Appearing (very) confident about his continuation in the power despite the resolute stand of the JMM, Koda said he was backed by the Congress and the RJD.However, Koda preferred not to make any direct comment on Soren but declined that he was under pressure due to the fresh release of threat by the JMM.

After Koda, JMM issues support withdrawal threat to Manmohan

Vijay Deo Jha /Rajiv Ranchi August 12, 2008

JMM chief Shibu Soren on Monday threatened to withdraw support to the Central as well as the State Governments. Soren has conveyed his message to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad.

The party has given 48-hour deadline to meet its demands.The decision was taken in a meeting of JMM MPs at New Delhi, also attended by Nalin Soren, minister in the Koda Government, on Tuesday.

The move is taken as a part of the pressure tactic adopted by the party to strike a deal suiting the interest of the JMM. Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM organisational secretary, who attended this crucial meeting of the party, said the party decided to withdraw support after being ditched by the UPA. "The UPA Government at the Centre breached the promise which it had committed in lieu of the party bailing out the UPA Government during confidence motion," he said.

While accusing Lalu Prasad for playing the game of political vendetta against the JMM, he added that the Lalu forgot the help and support which JMM had extended to him. Meanwhile, JMM has called a meeting of the party MLAs and the Central committee of the party on August 17 at Ranchi to draw further strategy. The JMM chief is camping in New Delhi, trying to fix a meeting with Sonia Gandhi to plead his case.

Soren is expected to meet Sonia Gandhi this night to clarify the stand of the party on this issue. The JMM sources at the national capital said that the top Congress leaders were trying for a rapprochement.

Madhu Koda is firm in his saddle and dismissed the demand of Soren for the post of CM as politically absurd and untimely. He is reported to have a close door meeting with the independent MLAs including Bhanu Pratap Shahi, Kamlesh Kumar Singh, Bandhu Tirkey and Nazam Ansari-- a close aid to Joba Manjhi, on Monday.

The sources in the Congress said that senior party leader Ahmed Patel has assured the support of the Congress to him on the last Sunday and ruled out the possibility of any regime change. Koda, who is camping in New Delhi, met the senior party leader of Congress flanked by some independent MLAs.

The reports coming from New Delhi suggested a possible reshuffle and expansion of the Union Cabinet that could take place within the month of August. Sources said that the JMM took this step after learning the move of the UPA Government about the Cabinet expansion in which Soren possibly could not be inducted in the Union Cabinet as Union Minister of Coal.

Sources confirmed that the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is not agreeing to induct Soren in the Cabinet in the capacity of the Union Minister of Coal. Soren could be offered the Labour portfolio currently presided by Oscar Fernandes, or some other ministry. A section of Congress leader is reported to be trying for the Ministry of Tribal Welfare for him. Sources close to Soren hinted that the former was not ready to join a low profile ministry.

Eye on CM's seat, JMM threatens to withdraw support to Koda Govt

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Monday, August 11, 2008

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha led by Shibu Soren is in the mood of playing the game of political brinkmanship to exert pressure on the UPA to get CM post as well as ministerial berths at the Center.

The party is learnt to have threatened to withdraw supports from the Madhu Koda Government. The move is taken as a pressure tactics by the JMM. Sources close to Soren said the party might take some final decision, whether to stay with the Koda Government or to withdraw support. The party might hold a meeting to take a decision by the end of Wednesday.

Once after rejecting the open invitation of the NDA, Soren is slated to be in touch with the top Central leaders of the BJP. Well-placed sources said that the former had met with the top leaders of the BJP. It is despite the fact that all JMM MLAs sang in tune with the party line supporting Soren for the post, unanimity still seems to elude since a faction led by the deputy CM Sudhir Mahto might prove a stumbling block if the party indeed goes on to such an extent.

Sources said that a number of party MLAs were not favouring the idea of regime change which includes JMM MLAs holding portfolio. "No one wants to face elections at this point of time," said a JMM MLA. Meanwhile, Koda, who is New Delhi to attend the marriage ceremony of the daughter of the senior NCP leader Tariq Anwar, is slated to have met Soren. It is learnt that Koda would meet the top leaders of the Congress, including Ahmed Patel, to apprise him of the current stand off.

Meanwhile, Stephen Marandi is slated to have held a chain of meeting with the group of independent MLAs, including Chief Minister Madhu Koda, Bhanu Pratap Shahi, Enos Ekka. Notably Pradeep Balmucchu, president, State Congress was also slated to be present when Marandi was negotiating with Shahi. Marandi has asked the independent MLAs to clear their stand on the issue of support.

BJP August 12 meet to decide selection of poll candidates

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi August 08, 2008

The election committee of the State BJP would finally meet on August 12 to recommend the names of the candidates for the next Parliamentary elections in the State. However, the central BJP has already made up its mind regarding some of the names but some more apolitical names have surfaced in the prospective list of the party candidates.

The list includes the senior IPS officer Amitabh Chaudhary, IG CID and president of Jharkhand Cricket Association, who has been vying for the party ticket from Jamshedpur Parliamentary constituency. The party sources said that the release of the first list of candidates was expect this month.

The party sources close to poll related exercise said that the committee in its meeting would discuss the viability of fielding Chaudhary from Jamshedpur constituency. Chaudhary is being backed by the two stalwarts of the party including the BJP national vice president Yaswant Sinha.

However Chaudhary could not be contacted for his immediate reaction but party sources hinted about the recent meeting of this senior cop with BJP national president Rajnath Singh as a step ahead in this direction

It is all about Cashgate in parliamaent

BJP has no character to adopt unethical means, says Rajnath

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi August 05, 2008

BJP national president Rajnath Singh countered the revelation made by the three allies of the UPA - RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan - as false and bogus.

The politics over note-for-vote took another low as in a joint Press conference, the trio presented a fresh CD claiming that the BJP managed sting operation was fake. While reacting over it Singh retorted that after it was yet another face saving exercise by the UPA to cover up its unholy act and divert the attention of the people by spinning a false story.

"They (UPA) can not suppress the truth by bringing false CDs, the fact remains that the three BJP MPs were tried to be bribed by the Congress which the nation has watched," Singh said. Adding further, he said that the BJP had no such character to forge fake CDs to take political advantage; the job is best suited to the Congress and its UPA allies. Singh said this during his visit to the State capital on Monday.

While questioning the timing of the revelations by the trio, Singh further alleged that the UPA was trying to misguide and sabotage the probe in the alleged notes-for-votes, which was undertaken by a committee of the parliament. The BJP has already demanded the news channel CNN-IBN to air the tape of the sting operation strongly contending that the job of media was to bring information gathered by it into public domain and it was not for a TV channel or newspaper to complete investigations or pronounce judgment. Singh reiterated the demand of the party by saying that the nation had the right to know the truth behind one of the sordid affairs in the history of the parliament. Taking a cue out of another CD in this regard brought by the BJP rebel Uma Bharti which reportedly proved to be concocted, Singh said that both the fake CDs would not stand scrutiny.

Three BJP MPs - Ashok Argal, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Mahavir Bhagora had socked the nation by displaying the wads of currency notes in the Parliament during a debate on a trust motion moved by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Singh confirmed the media report of his conversation with the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Sunday night in which the later urged him to ask BJP cadre to help restore normalcy in Jammu.

Singh who clarified that the party stood for a peaceful movement and said that the indecisiveness of the central government was the root of the problem. 'The government should respect the sentiments of the people and it should hand over the 40 hectares of forestland to the Amarnath shrine board.

Jharkhand BJP gearing up for polls

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi August 02, 2008

In view of Parliamentary elections in Jharkhand the State BJP held a three-day training camp for party workers at Madhuban. The meeting was attended by State BJP in-charge and national vice president of the party Karuna Shukla, senior party leader Arjun Munda and State BJP president Pashupati Nath Singh.

On the sidelines of the party programme, Munda demanded President's rule in the State. While criticizing Shibu Soren, the state Congress and other UPA allies of the State, Munda said the State was in a vortex of political uncertainty that required President's rule in the State. "The UPA should seek a fresh mandate", he said.

The controversy over the leadership in the State BJP refuses to die down. While again disputing the claim of leader of the Opposition Arjun Munda being a candidate for State Chief Minister's post Shukla said the issue of the leadership would be decided by the legislative assembly of the party after the Assembly elections.

However, Munda declined having any information about this but party sources said the statement had a far-reaching political impact and might make a dent on the claims of Munda. The Munda camp, which was elated over the recent clarification of its national vice president Yashwant Sinha who categorically that he was the contender for the post of CM of Jharkhand, is seems to be upset over the remarks of Shukla.

However, Munda being the strongest tribal face in the party has a tough time to maneuver the situation in his own favour since his name too was projected for the a possible Lok Sabha election, a fact not denied by the Munda camp.

Politics of Jharkhand enroute to Delhi again

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi July 30, 2008

The politics of Jharkhand has again taken the road to New Delhi as the top leaders of the state Congress including the party president Pradeep Balmucchu is slated to meet the top leaders of the party on Thursday.

The politics of the state took a turn after the statement of Shibu Soren indicating his desire of the former to play an active role in the state politics. While confirming to this the well-placed sources said that Balmucchu was summoned by the central leadership of the Congress to discuss these issues.

Irrespective of the fact that what Soren said on this, the central leadership of the Congress already calculated the pros and cons of the gains and loss it would have if he indeed becomes the Chief Minister. At least the Congress would not like him at the whelm of affairs a fact revealed by the party source close to the senior Ahmed Patel, the senior party leader.

Terming the possibility as a figment of imagination, a senior Congress said that the political arithmetic was not conducive for the coronation of Soren as the Chief Minister. In addition, doubt lurks over the move of the independent MLAs since as reported a majority of them have been secretly supporting the Chief Minister Madhu. More over, the Congress would not like to see Soren playing such a vital role in the state politics.

The Congress is not likely to support Soren's claim since it would damage the poll prospect of the party in the next elections. The party sees both the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Rastriya Janta Dal as a major political rival in the state politics. Meanwhile Madhu Koda has gained acceptability among the top leaders of the Congress and if sources are to believe the central high command of the party have granted political clemency to Koda.

It is supported by the fact that the state Congress lowered down its tone against the Koda government that goes by saying that the former had no immediate threat of removal. While commenting on the latest release of the political wish of Soren, Koda said that it was a matter of the collective decision that would be taken by the UPA.