Hope guillotined

Focus on party, don’t vie for board posts: Maken to MLAs

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi October 18, 2008

The intensity with which the Congress MLAs in Jharkhand pursued their desire to occupy plum post at the boards and corporations in Jharkhand, seems to be running down.

The apparent reason is that the party high command has put their demand for the time being in cold storage.

Already, the in-charge of the State Congress, Ajay Maken is learnt to have decided not to let the party MLAs or any worker occupy headship of the boards and corporations owned by the State Government.

However, the party insiders believe that the reason which compelled the central leadership to dishearten the party legislators in Jharkhand is that the JMM chief and Chief Minister Shibu Soren supposedly claimed Cabinet berths in the Union Cabinet in exchange of boards and corporations for the legislators of the UPA allies.

On account of the so-called unsavoury decision, the party MLAs held the meeting of the Congress Legislative Party on Thursday. Neil Tirkey, the chief whip of the party said that the party legislators finally buried the matter of board and corporation.

Now the matter is left to the central high command and Chief Minister Shibu Soren for their final decision.

“Instead we decided to focus more upon how to strengthen the party organisation for the next Lok Sabha election,” he added.

Answering to a pointed question about the boards and corporation, Tirkey said that it sufficiently damaged the stand of the party and the repute of the party MLAs. The mood and the phrase used by this belligerent and outspoken party MLA who in the past did not mince word in criticising the senior party leaders for duping party legislators on boards and corporation seems to have realised the boards and corporations are beyond their reach.

About the decision, the well placed sources confided that the central high command categorically reasoned them — politically it would not suit the interest of the party to be the part of the JMM Government in any way.

The Congress would continue with its decision to support the Government from the outside as it did in the case of the Madhu Koda Government.

A senior party leader of the State Congress informed that the decision was communicated to the State president, Pradeep Balmucchu a week back — even though officially the State Congress denies having received such communication.

“We have not received any communication in this regard. It is coming through media. If there is any such move, the central leadership should communicate,” Tirkey said. But the scene became somehow clear when Maken asked Balmuchu not to recommend or finalise the list without his prior scrutiny and approval.

Hitting hard at Congress

Cong communalising terrorism: Advani

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi October 16, 2008

BJP prime ministerial candidate LK Advani has accused the Congress of giving communal shape to terrorism. Addressing the most impressive rally of recent times in Ranchi, the 18th Vijay Sankalp rally in the country, Advani on Wednesday urged the people to vote for a change in Delhi and in Ranchi.

Advani said, "Earlier, terrorists came from Pakistan, but in the UPA regime they are coming from within the country in the name of SIMI."

Blaming the Congress and the UPA for helping terrorism grow for the sake of votes, the senior BJP leader said Afzal Guru would have been hanged by now, but only if he was a Hindu, Sikh or from any other religion.

"Afzal Guru, whose death penalty has been upheld by Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, is not being hanged because he is a Muslim and from Kashmir," said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He also cited an example of Kerala where Muslim students were being given annual stipend of Rs 14,000 while ST students got only Rs 240 a year.

The former Deputy Prime Minister also came down heavily on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that Muslims have the first right over country's resources. "Only the poor, not based on caste or religion, can have the first right over resources," he said.

"We are not against the welfare of Muslims but the welfare of the poor should not be compromised," he added. While flaying people like Afzal Guru, Advani, however, praised freedom fighter Ashfaqullah Khan.

During his 45-minute speech, Advani ridiculed the JMM and its chief along with Congress party "which always took its support to save its Government in Delhi." Advani dwelled upon several core issues of national importance, including corruption, terrorism and price hike and grilled the Central Government for its total failure.

Advani said, "The UPA Government has nothing to showcase of its four-and-half-year misrule at the Centre except terrorism, price hike and corruption that woefully registered a phenomenal growth." Hitting back at the Congress and the UPA which accused the BJP for playing politics on terrorism, Advani retorted that this was the Congress and the UPA which was playing communal card to save its vote bank.

Referring to his Jharkhand visit twice within a month, Advani said a visit to this State gives him imminence pleasure. He was referring to his stay at Masanjore, where he was kept in detention after his arrest during his famous 'Rath Yatra'.

He also talked about "making and unmaking of Jharkhand". Advani said that NDA formed Jharkhand --- hoping people and the region would avail Susasan (good governance) and develop. "But I feel dismay to see plight of Jharkhand while other two States Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, which were formed along with Jharkhand have made significant development," Advani lamented.

Hitting hard at the JMM MPs for saving the Narsimha Rao and Manmohan Singh Governments in exchange of money, Advani said it gave Jharkhand a bad name.

He criticised the political parties and leaders for making politics an instrument of making money. Advani said, "We are in the politics to serve the nation not to derive personal benefits. Terming the current UPA dispensation at the Centre the most corrupt and unscrupulous Government; Advani said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ventured to the extreme of corruption by purchasing MPs to save the UPA Government during confidence motion. "Congress tried to allure the MPs with money to save its government and thus vitiated politics," he added.

The BJP prime ministerial candidate cautioned the Congress to learn from its mischief of the past when it could not open its account in the parliamentary elections in Bihar, Uttar Predesh and a host of other States for imposing emergency. "Indian voters might not be very educated but are gifted with right political sense and acumen and they come down heavily upon political parties for their misdeeds," he said.

BJP national vice-president Yashwant Sinha, who also addressed the rally, accused the Prime Minister and the UPA Government for pushing the country in the state of economic disaster. Talking about current political dispensation of Jharkhand, he said that development of the State came to grinding halt as UPA leadership in the State has no vision. "It is matter of a few months when LK Advani would become the next Prime Minister which will ensure the development of Jharkhand also," he said.

Other prominent BJP leaders, including leader to the Opposition in the Assembly Arjun Munda, addressed the rally.

BJP meet to make rally success today

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi, Sunday, October 12, 2008

As only three days are left when Lal Krishna Advani, the prime ministerial candidate of the NDA, will address a rally in the State capital on Wednesday, the State BJP has asked the district units of the party to send the reports of their preparedness by Monday. The party has instructed the district units to mobilise party workers and bring as much people to Ranchi on that day.

Meanwhile, the State BJP would hold a review meeting on Sunday. Party MPs, MLAs, both former and current, office-bearers of the State BJP, presidents of the ancillary units of the party and BJP Ranchi Mahanagar members would participate in the meeting.

While talking about the meeting, Pradeep Sinha, BJP media in-charge said that it would be crucial one as it would give a final shape to the strategy regarding the rally.

The party has planned its strategy to ensure the turnout of not less than one lakh people to listen Advani. The party is expected to get the details of the particulars of the visit of senior BJP leader LK Advani on Sunday.

In the meeting responsibilities among the party workers and 13 different Mandals of BJP, Ranchi Mahanagar would be distributed. In this connection, Ranchi BJP convened meetings with the office-bearers of Chutia, Sukhdeonagar and Dhruva Mandal units of the party on Saturday.

“We want to make the rally as a benchmark and historic with our coordinated effort. The rally would be attended by not less than one lakh people and it would send a message about the BJP as the only viable political alterative in the State”, said Gama Singh.

The party sources said that the district units of BJP from Santhal Pargana region has been asked to ensure the maximum turnout of people. Meanwhile, Dumka, Deoghar and Pakur units of the party are learnt to have assured to bring maximum number of people.

“It would enable us to assess the organisational strength of the party and the party is focusing on nearly 19 such district units where the party is expecting good response”, a senior party leader said.

Butt No Love for Mahatma

Don't smoke if you have respect for Mahatma, urges Soren

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi , RANCHI Friday, October 3, 2008

Lighting up a rolled tobacco at public places can cost you Rs 200. With the enforcement of ban on smoking as per the directive of the Central Government across the country from Thursday, some heave a sigh of relief while others fume.

A law prohibiting smoking at public places, which largely remained ignored for the last four years, came into effect with Supreme Court's refusal to stay the ban. On Monday, the apex court cleared the way for the new ban to take effect on October 2, the birthday anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the icon of peace and love who did not smoke, drink or eat meat. Message is clear, only if you follow it- "Do not smoke if you have any respect for Mahatma," appealed Chief Minister Shibu Soren.

In the State capital, the writ is written large at public places like banks, hospitals, colleges, and offices, prominently prohibiting smoking on its premises. However, only the coming days would decide whether the State machinery was able to enforce the blanket ban on smoking or not. At least on the very first day either caring for the law or out of fears, a good number of smokers resisted from smoking at public places while some were seen puffing cigarettes.

The State Police is yet to decide the way to enforce the ban and waiting for directives from the State Government. On being asked about the preparedness to enforce the ban on smoking, Jharkhand Police spokesperson SN Pradhan said, "The State Police is yet to receive directives from the State Government about the enforcement. We hope to receive the directives in a couple of days, and then it would be easier for us to know the measures of enforcement."

Although from past one month the Health Ministry through several advertisements has been making it clear about the authorities those who could impose fines and take punitive actions.

Assuring of enforcement of the law, the City SP said, "We are very clear on this aspect. We will not let anybody smoke at public places. We would certainly ask our cops to catch violators if they still go against the law."

Instigating a debate between smokers and non-smokers, people are skeptical about the blanket ban, although the two agree that smoking is deadly. Local pan shops across the town served as a dais for both the groups. Pro-smokers appeared to be anxious about the ban and termed it "an attempt to demonise smokers" while pro-ban activists were eager to see the response to the law.

Vinay Singh, who is working with a leading finance company, said, "The Government should not place an outright ban on smoking; it could have been done in a phase-wise manner."

More or less people seem to have welcomed the ban. Avay Kanth, who termed himself as second-hand smoker as his office colleagues continue to smoke in the office, is happy with the decision. "Smokers who care little about the inconvenience they cause to other people have no right to damage the health of others, or to impose an intolerable degree of inconvenience on others," he said. "

The problem was public spaces are a huge sphere, but there was no onus on the person incharge of the public place to implement the law," said Siyaram Singh, former Health Secretary of Jharkhand. He hoped that the people would abide by the law and refrain from burning their lungs as well as creating inconvenience to others.

Suspended BJP MLA eyes SPRDA chief's post

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi, Thursday, October 2, 2008

The Jharkhand Government is in the process to form Santhal Pargana Regional Development Authority (SPRDA). The official sources said a notification in this regard is likely to be issued this month.

The issue of the formation of SPRDA came to fore during Dumka visit of Chief Minister Shibu Soren, where he said that the State Government was serious about the demand of the people of Santhal Pargana to form SPRDA. The SPRDA would cover six districts, three parliamentary and 18 Assembly constituencies.

SPRDA that existed during undivided Bihar turned redundant after the formation of Jharkhand. In the past, the BJP Government led by Babulal Marandi took initiatives to form SPRDA, which could not materialise for some reasons. Now finding a Chief Minister of their region, who took such a major decision, the people of Santhal Pargana can hope for a planned development.

However, who would be the chairman of SPRDA is a moot point. Vishnu Bhaiya, a suspended BJP MLA representing Jamtara, is eying for the post of the Chairman, SPRDA. Would JMM allow such a crucial post to slip out of its hand as Santhal Pargana plays a crucial role in deciding the politics of the State?

The sources close to Vishnu Bhaiya confided that the MLA was lobbying for the post in lieu of the support he extended to Chief Minister Shibu Soren during one month-long political turmoil in Jharkhand.

Of late, the MLA expressed his readiness to vacate Jamtara assembly constituency for the safe entry of Soren in the State Assembly. The MLA who is facing case of disqualification under 10th schedule of the Constitution wants the things in his favour before he loses the power to bargain.

However, Vishnu Bhaiya feigned ignorance about the formation of SPRDA and said that the support he extended to Soren had no connection with any post or ministry. But he did not rule out the possibility of his resignation from the state assembly. The JMM insiders said that the MLA wanted the post in exchange for Jamtara. Although Soren can try his luck from Tundi and Tamar but Jamtara is slated to be safer than these two constituencies.

On the whole issue, a senior JMM functionary said that the party would certainly give a respectable position to Vishnu Bhaiya, who deserted Jharkhand Vikash Morcha and Babulal Marandi to support Soren at a time when the JMM was facing volley of protest in its bid to form the Government.

After shifting his political loyalty twice, Vishnu Bhaiya is ready to jump to JMM wagon to start his third inning in the State politics with equally important post. The move met with a sharp reaction by JVM. Praveen Singh, general secretary JVM said that the MLA (Vishnu Bhaiya) left the JMM only to join the political Samjhauta express of the JMM, which he found lucrative.

No to board and corporation post boys: Ajay Maken

Maken asks Balmuchu to submit list of candidates for board posts

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi, Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Even though the State Congress finalised the lists of party MLAs to take rein of boards and corporations in Jharkhand, the latest directives of Ajay Maken, in-charge State Congress, directing Pradeep Balmuchu, president Jharkhand Congress, to submit the list to him, has cast damper on their aspiration.

The list prepared by the trilogy of Balmuchu, leader to party legislative in Assembly, Manoj Yadav and Saurabh Narayan Singh, MLA Hazaribagh, did not contain the name of any party worker even though it staked claim over 15 boards and corporations.

The list stoked suspicion and consternation among party workers. A senior party functionary who spoke on the condition of anonymity told this correspondent that some of the party MLAs were in haste for their share first as they felt they should initially secure whatever plum boards and corporations they were able to get.

As per available information, Maken is learnt to have asked Balmuchu not to recommend or finalize the list without his prior scrutiny and approval. A decision on this account would be taken only after October 15 and the state unit of the party could be supplied with a composite list regarding the names of MLAs and workers for the same.

The party sources said the two apparent reasons scuttled the move of party MLAs who even threatened to put the JMM government in lather during the Monsoon Session of the State Assembly if their demand of boards and corporations were not fulfilled within a given time period, September 27. This includes Balmuchu, Niel Tirkey; MLA Simdega who publicly vent out their ire towards the delay.

First, a majority of senior party workers, whose claim over reasonable share in the allocation of boards and corporations were ignored communicated their displeasure to Maken, a day after the last session of assembly. The party workers like Sasikantkant Tirkey, Jagdish Sahu, Kanta Upadhaya, Ajay Rai, Ravindra Singh etc. are stated to be some of the vocal exponents of this demand- equally supported by a vast diaspora of the party workers. Even some senior party leaders and MPs, with whom Maken discussed the issue, are learnt to have found their claim true.

If not all the party MLAs but even a few among them including Sukhdeo Bhagat, MLA Lohardaga, did not mince the word in saying the boards and corporations should go to dedicated bands of party workers belonging to constituencies where Congress has become politically an extinct entity. Some month back, while writing for 'Congress Sandesh' the official magazine of the Congress, Sukhdeo said expressed his above stated feelings.

Not willing to speak much about the broil Sukhdeo said that in case the state Congress gets boards and corporations as per agreement reached between the Chief Minister Shibu Soren and Maken last month, he would prefer to the workers- those who have invested their time and energy for the party.

The sources said that some party MLAs were reported to be unhappy over the list prepared by the trilogy in which they were allocated defunct and insignificant boards and corporation while ignoring their seniority.

As par available information the name of Balmuchu was recommended for TVNL along with his close aide Niel Tirkey, for Adityapur Industrial Development Authority. The list figures the name of Manoj Yadav for Marketing Board while Saurabh Narayan Singh was recommended for Mines Area Development Authority. Israel Ansari, MLA, Bokaro, who had set his eyes on Bokaro Industrial Development Authority, got a favorable recommendation.

Passion or fashion

State BJP to capture all hues in saffron

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi, Monday, September 29, 2008

Ready to welcome BJP's prime ministerial candidate LK Advani, who is on the second leg of Vijay Sankalp Yatra with an appeal to give voters a comprehensive win for the party in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, the State unit BJP's preparations are apace for the rally scheduled to be held on October 15 at Morahbadi ground in Ranchi.

Besides ensuring the turn out of unaccounted mass at the ground, the party thinks of making the event a 'technical marvel' much on the lines of the party conclave held in Mumbai on its 25th foundation day where the hydraulic stage in shape of the party symbol, lotus gave a real time feeling of the bloom of the lotus with each upward motion of the stage.

Although that (technical marvel) depends upon the prior approval of the central BJP and the district administration, said the party sources.

All the district units of the party have been asked to convene meetings by Tuesday to chalk out a composite plan to make the rally a massive success. In this connection, Ranchi unit of the party held a meeting on Sunday in which it decided to frame the town with a saffron look. Speaking about the decision taken during the meeting, Gama Singh, president, Ranchi BJP informed that more than 101 welcome gate would be erected across the town. Pradeep Sinha, party spokesperson said that nearly 25,000 party workers from Ranchi unit of the party would take charge of the rally.

Heamnt Loving son of Guruji

Hemant first choice of Soren for Dumka LS election

Vijay Deo Jha/ Rajiv Ranchi, Sunday, September 28, 2008

After successfully manoeuvring the political scenario of Jharkhand in its favour, the JMM has started exercising for the next parliamentary elections in the State, scheduled to be held the next year. JMM chief Shibu Soren, is serious about projecting his younger son Hemant Soren as his political successor. Soren could field Hemant in the next Parliamentary elections from Dumka parliamentary constituency. Soren who represents Dumka, a strong JMM bastion, hopes to retain the seat by fielding his young aspiring son.

The speculation gains ground the way Hemant has been emerging as a core constituent of the political convoy of Soren who is stated to have a major say in the political decisions and strategy taken by the party. The Chief Minister, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Dumka starting from Saturday, is accompanied with Deputy Chief Minister Sudhir Mahto, besides Hemant.

The sources close to the party chief confided that Hemant was the first choice of Soren and there was a general agreement among the top ranking party leaders to field Hemant from Dumka. Sources said that Soren was likely to count more upon Hemant rather than his elder son Durga Soren and wife Rupi Soren.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior party leader said that Hemant who played an active role _ a political manager during the one month-long political crisis, has gained credence _ fit to be the political heir_ after of Soren who had the potential to retain Dumka seat after the latter would shift to State politics. Soren is likely to contest the by-elections of the State Assembly either from Tamar or Tundi. Currently, Mathura Prasad Mahto represents Tundi in the State Assembly. Sukhram Oraon, MLA from Chakradharpur has also offered his seat for the party chief.In the past, Soren failed to accrue political acceptability for his family members whenever he tried to field them from Dumka. The electorate cast a damper when Soren fielded Rupi Soren in Dumka parliamentary election in 1999. The then BJP leader, Babulal Marandi, defeated her.

Hoping to translate his mass popularity into votes, Soren planned an entry for Hemant in the active politics by fielding him in the Assembly elections in 2005 from Dumka. Soren had to pay a heavy political price for his decision. He had to face rebellion by Stephen Marandi besides the defeat of Hemant in the election.

Make India win

'Jeetega BJP, Jeetega Bharat'

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Wednesday, September 24, 2008

I do not ask for the victory of the BJP, I want India to win and it is possible only when the BJP is voted to power, since only BJP has the will to solve the problems of the country," said Lal Krishna Advani, senior BJP leader and prime ministerial candidate of the party, while addressing a public rally at Gandhi Maidan in Dumka, on Tuesday.

He appealed the people to focus on the nation and party rather than personality while exercising their voting right. Despite rain, nearly 50,000 people remained spellbound during Advani's speech which continued for nearly 45 minutes.

Referring to his emotional attachment to Dumka where he was detained at Masanjore during his famous Rath Yatra, Advani said a visit to Dumka gave him immense pleasure.

"But my pleasure ends with a sad note, while people got swaraj (own rule) but not suraj (good governance) till now even after Jharkhand was formed years back," he remarked about State UPA Government.

While both Chhattighar and Uttarakhand have become developed, Jharkhand is trailing behind in terms of development. Advani thus criticised the Government for its failure to deliver the promises. Talking about regime change in Jharkhand, the BJP prime ministerial candidate said corruption remained unchecked since the current political dispensation was not different than the last one. The party stalwart asserted that once voted to power, the BJP would end the era of corruption in the State.

He lost no occasion to remind the role of BJP in forming Jharkhand and said the party was on the forefront to raise the cause of the people of this State.

"The Party has always been praiseful towards the tribal culture and its identity and it was during the rule of NDA, the statue of martyr Birsa Munda was ensconced on the premise of Parliament as our mark of respect," he said.

While using the occasion to revive the memory of his historic stay at Dumka, Advani touched upon the some core issues and hinted that terrorism would constitute the core political plank of the party besides the atomic deal.

He referred to the string of terror attack across the country and blamed that the UPA Government at the Centre was soft-peddling terrorism. There were some lighter moments when Advani took a dig at the UPA Government and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil for their failure. Making a serious comment out of lighter cartoon, Advani said while the terror groups' claim of sophisticated weapon to wreak havoc on the country, Patil claims to have the blessing of Sonia Gandhi to save his skin.

Remark on Sarna rocks Assembly

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The Jharkhand Assembly remained on boil on Tuesday as legislators of the main Opposition party, BJP, raised protest over the alleged remarks made against Sarna religion in Nemha Bible, published by the Bible Society of India.

Demanding immediate action against the publishers and the distributors of the book, the party forced adjournment of the House for nearly 20 minutes. Party MLA Chandresh Oraon, who raised the matter demanded immediate actions against the society saying that it was done to disturb the social and communal harmony in the State. While pacifying the agitated members, Chief Minister Shibu Soren assured them to confiscate the book. On account of vociferous uproar, the House could not assume the question hour. The Opposition parties also raised the issue of para-teachers who were on protest demonstration against the State Government and Human Resource Ministry outside the State Assembly. The Opposition said that the State Government and the concerned minister were ignoring the plight of nearly 88,000 para-teachers whose "service terms" and "wage structure" have not been fixed. The Opposition drew support from the Treasury Bench - Uday Sankar Singh, RJD MLA from Sarath, wanted the State Government to take some concrete decision on the demands of the teachers.

The afternoon session of the Assembly discussed the cut motion tabled by JD(U) legislator Radhakrishna Kishore against the first Supplementary Budget of Rs 437 crore brought by the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Stephen Marandi. Kishore contended that the Supplementary Budget if passed by the Assembly would peg off the gross budgetary deficit which was Rs 16,682 crore according to the estimate of the State Government. "At a time, when the Government took no initiative to fill the gap of the deficit, the Supplementary Budget would further fuel the deficit," Kishore added.

Kishore also pulled the Government for projecting erroneous reports of the planned sub-expenditure. Questioning FM's claim that the Government utilised Rs 1,312.16 crore of the total amounts of Rs 8,000 crore under planned sub-expenditure till September 22, Kishore asked Marandi to explain how come it utilised nearly Rs 623 crore (approx) within the short span of time when the actual figure was only Rs 682.72 crore, on the closing date of August 31. Kishore also doubted the claim of the Government bringing down the loss of the State exchequer to zero per cent by March 31, 2009 while the revenue collection in the State was all time low; 16 per cent. "The UPA Government failed to maintain 22 per cent of revenue collection once achieved and maintained by the NDA during its rule," he claimed.

Kishore blamed the State Government for lacking in financial management as the figures of the different departments - Health, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry could not utilise the allotted budget.

Intervening the debate over cut motion, Inder Singh Namdhari asked the Government to clear its stand on the Supplementary Budget when the Governor of the State raised doubt over it. The House would decide the motion on Wednesday. Other members including Raghubar Das, Chatruram Mahto both from BJP and Ravindra Mahto and Ramchandra Chandravanshi participated in the debate.

NDA seeks CBI probe to expose Chaudhary-Koda connection

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Tuesday, September 23, 2008

On the fourth day of the Monsoon session, Jharkhand Assembly witnessed uproar over alleged connection of Sanjay Chaudhary with former Chief Minister Madhu Koda. Sanjay, an alleged aide of Koda, was caught with unaccounted forex in Mumbai last week. MLAs of the main Opposition party, BJP, demonstrated with the play-cards out side the Assembly before the session started.

With the start of the session, BJP MLAs led by CP Singh, the chief whip of the party, and Arjun Munda, leader to the Opposition in the Assembly, thrice rushed to the well of the House during the first session.

The scheduled "question hour" and "call attention motion" could not be carried out as the House plunged in pandemonium nearly for one hour. Demanding an immediate discussion over the issue in the House, BJP MLA Saryu Rai moved an adjournment motion, which was rejected by the Speaker.

Arjun Munda termed it a serious issue and said the way Government money was illegally sent out of Jharkhand by people close to power could not be ignored. He was joined by his own party man Raghubar Das and Radhakrishna Kishore of JD(U) who criticised the Government for trying to hide the conspiracy.

Later, while talking to media on the sideline of the session, Munda alleged that the Government was under pressure to hush up this scam. "The man in question is the right hand of Koda and a proper inquiry by CBI would expose a big time scam operating in the State," Munda said.

The leaders also accused the Speaker for flouting the rule and ignoring the issues related to larger public interest. Rai accused the Speaker for not playing a fair role. "The rejection of adjournment motion by the Speaker is bad for democracy," he said.

As the House resumed, Deputy Speaker Stephen Marandi tabled the supplementary budget of Rs 437 crore. The amount would be used for the welfare of SC, ST classes, pension and post retirement benefits, education, establishment, district administration, flood control. On behalf of the Opposition, Rai and Kishore moved a cut motion, which was accepted by the Speaker. The House would debate the cut motion on Tuesday.

The afternoon session of the House debated over the drought-like situation in Palamu, where the Opposition criticised the State Government for its all-out failure to control the situation. Initiating the debate, Kishore said that the Government has no realisation of the gravity of the matter and it failed to deliver the promise it made. While drawing the attention of the State Government, Kishore said the Government despite officially announcing draught in Palamu for the last three years did not pay the farmers their claim of crop insurance.

"The farmers have not been paid the amount of crop insurance for 2006 and 2007. The number of farmers who registered themselves for crop insurance scheme reduced from 44,000 of the last years to 22,000 this year as they have lost their faith in Government," he said.

Inder Singh Namdhari, who intervened debate, accused the Government for punishing honest officials for speaking truth about the failure of the State Government on water irrigation. He alleged that the Government removed a particular development commissioner for his comment that after spending six hundred crores of rupees even six bucket of water could not be fetched out. The Speaker directed the Government to present the fact.

Dumka where started makiang and unmaking of BJP

Advani to address rally at Dumka on Sept 23

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Septeber 21, 2008

Bracing for a major electoral victory in Jharkhand in the Lok Sabha poll, the BJP will finally sound the poll bugle from Dumka with its new coined slogan Jeetegi Bhajapa, Jeetega Bharat. Lal Krishna Advani, the prime ministerial candidate of BJP, is scheduled to address a public rally on Tuesday here at Gandhi Maidan.

Hoping to revive its electoral ground in Santhal Pargana division, the rally would be a kind of show of strength. The senior BJP leader and coordinator of the programme, Ganesh Mishra who has been camping in Dumka, said that the party would assess its strength for the next Lok Sabha poll here.

Viranchi Narayan, spokesperson, State BJP said that the rally would send signals across the State and country that only BJP could solve the gnawing problems of the country as the UPA turned the nation a soft target of the terrorism.

The falling electoral graph of the party and the challenge posed by Shibu Soren and Babulal Marandi, who made a dent on the legislative and electoral fold of the State BJP, has caused concern among the top party leaders. The rally would pay handsome dividend during the elections, the party hopes.

Another senior leaders of the central BJP leaders including Yaswant Sinha, vice-president, national BJP and Anant Kumar, national secretary of the party would accompany Advani besides Karuna Shukla, in-charge, State BJP.

Meanwhile, the State BJP held the meetings of the office-bearers of the party at the party headquarter in the State capital. Besides Mishra, two of the top party leaders including Ranjan Patel, the organisational secretary of the State BJP are camping at Dumka and all the 12 block level units of the party has been asked to be in the alert mode to make the rally successful.

Manoj Saha, president, Dumka BJP said, "We hope to make the rally a historic one and nearly 70 thousands people would come to listen the prime ministerial candidate of the party." As only two days are left, the party workers are reported to be busy in giving the town a saffron look.

In the history of the making and unmaking of the BJP, both Dumka and Gandhi Maidan hold a special significance. Way back in 1982, Atal Bihari Bajpayee had set electoral success and acceptability of the party in motion. This time Advani, the political successor of Vajpayee, is vested with the onus to set a new benchmark.

JMM sees Cong as sting in the tail

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi, Saturday, September 20, 2008

The JMM Government headed by Shibu Soren got the first bitter taste of the coalition Government on the first day of the Monsoon Session of the Assembly as the State Congress; a major ally of the Government, took a swipe at the Government both on the floor and outside.

The Congress Legislative Party (CLP) is learnt to be in the mood to take some concrete decision, whether to ally with the JMM or not, by the next Monday. Whatever be the "concrete" decision, the Congress would not give the JMM a feel of a good political ally. If the party continues with such countenance, chances for a stormy session ahead and unpredictable political predictions are brighter.

Not happy with Soren for not inducting them in State Cabinet as well as allotting nearly a dozen of boards and corporations in favour of the Congress, the party legislators have mounted pressure to take a firm decision towards supporting the JMM.

Hitting hard at Shibu Soren for not adhering to coalition dharma and fulfilling the 'pledge', which the latter had made with the Congress, Pradeep Balmucchu, president State Congress expressed his dismay and resentment against Soren.

"We thought him as a leader firmly rooted to the soil but the way the man (Soren) is importing people from outside for governance of the Gtate, no hope is left," said Balmucchu.

He also indicated that Soren should be ready to face any kind of crisis if he wished to run the Government wantonly. In his statement, Balmucchu supposedly hinted the party could head towards a final bout against Shibu Soren if the CM fails to meet their demand of Cabinet induction.

Well-placed sources confided that the party legislators could no more wait after September 27 in case their demands were not met with. Referring to an informal meeting of the party legislators held during the recess of the session on Friday, the sources said the MLAs are mulling over some hard steps that could put the JMM Government on a tough political turf. Later, in a bid to assuage the belligerent Congress MLAs, Soren said that the decision about the boards and corporations would be taken soon.

Starting from a day before the beginning of the Assembly session, the tough posture of the Congress put the JMM on tizzy as the party MLAs ignored the dinner party hosted by Soren. Moving ahead with the politics of absentia, at least three Congress MLAs stayed away from the Assembly Session.

Jharkhand Asembly

Monsoon session: BJP to grill Govt

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Friday, September 19, 2008

The coming Monsoon Session of Jharkhand State Assembly, scheduled to start on Friday would prove litmus test for 21-day-old State Government led by Shibu Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, (JMM). Ready to take on Soren on the floor of the house, State BJP, the main opposition in the house would grill the Government on a host of issues.

Even the MLAs of the State Congress could stay neutral at a time the BJP would fire salvo against the newly formed Government. Congress MLAs are not happy for not been inducted in the State cabinet as per the agreement. The first day of the session is likely to end up with the house passing condolence to Ramesh Singh Munda.

The prominent among these are the pending cases of disqualification of nearly a dozen of MLAs, the list includes the name of five suspended BJP MLAs whose disqualification the party vociferously demands.

While talking to The Pioneer, Arjun Munda, leader to the opposition, said that the party was watching the move of the Speaker and it would press for their disqualification under 10th schedule of the Constitution in the coming session.

The party received shot in its arm after the Jharkhand High Court categorically asked the office of the Speaker for the speedy disposal of these cases. "It is up to the House to decide, the Speaker can not take shelter behind by calling it sub-judice," said Munda.

The party which was likely to hold the meeting of the party legislators, on Friday, to chart out the strategy for the coming assembly session; is learnt to raise the issue of the corruption, rise in naxal activities and alleged terrorization of the bureaucracy. The reports of famine at Palamu and the failure of the Government to control the situation have given the BJP a political weapon against the JMM.

On meantime, in a bid to consolidate his political flocks together and specially to assuage the chagrin of nine Congress MLAs, Soren threw dinner party for the UPA allies, on Thursday. However, most of Congress MLAs reported to have not joined the dinner diplomacy. The move has put the JMM in tizzy and even after late evening exercise of top JMM leaders Congress MLAs did not change their mind.

Talking about the move of the Congress during the session, the well placed sources said that the party legislators would hold their meeting on this count on Friday. The legislators who are piqued over the delay are likely to meet Soren to get a final word on that.

The sources confided that the party MLAs might not sit together with the JMM during the Money Bill if Soren fails to give any solid assurance and the dateline regarding their induction in the cabinet. However, it would be tough for the party MLAs to create political jeopardy for Soren, but party can use the occasion to pressurize Shibu to meet their demands. Least they can expect and do.

Mira Munda new hope for BJP as woman leader

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi

While most of the better half of the politicians of Jharkhand prefers to stay at home, the BJP leader Arjun Munda is learnt to have charted another way for his wife Mira Munda. The conspicuous presence of Mira at Matri Sakti Sammelan, where the RSS chief KC Sudarshan along with the Hindu firebrand Sadhvi Ritambhara, had come to participate had several political overtures. On this both Mira and Munda commented that her presence in the programme had no connection to her joining active politics, but the sources confided that Mira who shared dais with Sudarshan has a definite indication that the RSS sees her as a potential woman leader who could tap the voters. Also the sources close to Munda said that the later would field his wife in active politics. The State BJP is also learnt to be eager to encash her non controversial image. She will be launched in the politics only after calculated exercise and celebrated exposure. Accordingly, the party has planned for the media exposure of Mira during the next Lok Sabha poll in the State. In the past too Mira campaigned at Kharsawa, the home constituency of Munda as well as Chaibasa, Jamshedpur, Jharia and Bermo during the last Assembly elections. A section of party leaders wanted her to contest the elections of Mayor in Ranchi Municipal Corporation. What might favour the advent of Mira in the politics is the fact that the State BJP currently has no woman leader to catch a big chunk of voters besides Rita Verma. In the last meeting of the working committee of the State BJP, the party is learnt to made special emphasis upon rejuvenating the women cell of the party. Commenting over the possibility of Mira fighting elections in the State in near future a senior BJP functionary said that during the opinion taking exercise for the LS elections in the state the name of Mira prominently figured for Dumka parliamentary constituency. But Mira would like to count more upon her own political acumen rather to bank upon the political clout and appeal of Munda, her husband.

Kissa Kursi ka

Cong MLAs set deadline for ministerial berths

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi RANCHI Tuesday, September 16, 2008

The constant delay and dilly-dallying by the Jharkhand Government in inducting two Congress legislators in the State Cabinet and passing reins of nearly a dozen of boards and corporation to the party legislators and others has provoked the party.

Issuing the first release of threat to 19-day-old Government, Congress legislators on Monday asked the Chief Minister to give a final official version regarding their claim by Friday. The party legislators would be free to decide their way about supporting the Government.

In lieu of the support extended to the JMM, the party legislators are eager to join the State Government. This does not auger well for Soren as the Monsoon Session of Jharkhand State Assembly would start from August 19, the deadline set by party legislators.

Not mentioning the 'withdrawal of support' in explicit term, Niel Tirkey, Congress MLA from Simdega, threatened the MLAs would rethink over their relation and dimension of support to Soren if the former fails to implement the promise of two ministerial berths and a dozen of boards and corporations within the stipulated date. Irrespective of what party high command and in-charge State Congress react over of their belligerent stand, Tirkey alleged that the party was forced to adopt a tough line only after learning that Soren was not willing to fulfill the promise.

The party legislators who have been mounting pressure upon Soren for this failed to elicit any response even after several meetings with him. Even though the party is learnt to have prepared the list of nominees; the JMM so far developed cold feet on this issue.

Countering the veiled threat of the Congress, Supriyo Bhattacharya, organizational secretary, JMM, said that Soren was ready give the Congress its due share in boards and corporations and it was up to Congress to send the name. Referring to deal about the change of guards in Jharkhand too in the presence of senior Congress leader Pranav Mukharjee he said that Soren did not make any promise in writing to induct any Congress MLA in the ministry.

But contrary to the claim, Tirkey said that as per agreement reached between the JMM and the Congress, Soren in the presence of Ajay Maken, in-charge State Congress agreed to induct two Congress MLAs in the state cabinet besides nearly dozen of boards.

Giving an insight of the deal a senior party leader revealed that Soren agreed to withdraw three of JMM ministers of erstwhile Madhu Koda government to accommodate three MLAs from the Congress and RJD respectivelyHowever Pradeep Balmuchu, president, State Congress, was not available for his comment but party sources confided that Balmuchu who is in New Delhi in connection with the meeting of the AICC Working Committee is learnt to have conveyed the mood of the party MLAs to senior party leaders in Delhi.

Fight for your rights: RSS chief to women

Vijay Deo Jha RANCHI Monday, September 15, 2008

It was a rare occasion of the Maatri Shakti Sammelan organised by the Seva Bharti on Friday at Harmu ground in the State capital. The sprawling ground became a thrust ground of women empowerment.

More than 20,000 women associated with different self-help groups of the Seva Bharti took the lesson of Indian brand of feminism from RSS chief KC Sudarshan and Sadhvi Ritambhara, a vocal exponent of firebrand Hinduism.

While addressing the conclave Sudarshan appealed the women to rise to the occasion to fight for their cause. He noted that India and Hinduism were always liberal and supportive to the cause of women. However, the follies which cropped out of some historical reasons, made a permanent abode in our social life. Taking a dig at the socio-economic development he said that till a large number of women remains out side of the preview of the social development, it would not solve the purpose.

Praising the initiatives taken by the Seva Bharti Sudarshan said that the organisation was silently playing a crucial role of the economic empowerment of women which will pave the way of their social emancipation.

True to her style and spirited speech Ritambhara said that women were far ahead of men in every term but they were kept in the cage of backwardness by some social vested interest. The only thing the Indian women have to do is to realise their potential. Taking a serious note of feticide she squarely blamed those women for creating sex imbalance who were indulged in this act. To her the television shop operas and serials were nibbling the very essence of Indian culture.

In her hour long speech she also touched the core issue of terrorism and the controversy over the existence of Lord Ram. Questioning the efficiency of the central UPA in taming terrorism she blamed the Congress and the UPA for forfeiting the national security for vote bank politics.

"The SIMI desperados are wreaking havoc while the UPA Government still finds no proofs against the jehadi groups. No different rule can exist in India if we are to save India", said Ritambhara. The occasion was marked with the usual saffron hue and Shobha Yatra were carried.

Karma magnetises youth with ethnic touch

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Friday, September 12, 2008

Jubilation and festivity knew no bound on the occasion of Karma, a vital and vibrant youth festival. The young and colourful tribal boys and girls with loads of fun and frolic took on the roads of the town.

Their spirit refused to die and continued to dance and sing without any apparent note of fatigue.

Several places in Ranchi, noticeably in the Department of Tribal Language, Ranchi University; the occasion was celebrated with ethnic tribal touch. Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who had come to grace the occasion, could not stop from trying his hand on Mandar. Praising the nature for its bounty, Soren asked the devout revellers to stay in tune with the nature. Later, Soren along with Ram Dayal Munda, the former VC of RU and AA Khan, VC RU and several others joined the chorus.

To give Karma cultural splash, different organisations held procession which was joined by the youth at different parts of the town --- Siromtoli, Chadhri, Morahbadi and Gandhinagar.

The bands of youth in their traditional dress who were swaying and gyrating in consonance with tribal songs gave nostalgic d?cor to the entire moment. Not missing any chance to narrate the legends of Karam Devta, the God of Power, the tribal culture was at its best display with beats of Mandar and the clangs of cymbals. In fact, the tribal culture stands nowhere without its rich treasure of ebullient festivity.

Even when modern lifestyles have intruded the tribal culture of Jharkhand the festival was celebrated in its traditional style. Dipa, a young tribal girl from Gandhinagar, said she along with her friends culled the items required for Puja from a nearby forest. "We kept dancing and singing in group for the entire period," she said.

With the dawn of the day, the unmarried young tribal girls worshipped the Karma Tree keeping a small basket with germinating seeds of jawa as a mark of fertility and the bounty of nature. Java and wheat are germinated a few days earlier and the small plants are put in a small bamboo basket and placed before the branch of the Karam Tree, which represents Karam Deo. Celebrated on 11th moon day of the Hindu month Badhav, the tribal girls observe fast and offer green melons to the Karam deity as a symbol of "son" which reveals the primitive expectation of human being, i.e. grains and children.

Two suspended BJP MLAs likely to quit

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Thursday, September 11, 2008

Two out of the five suspended BJP MLAs of Jharkhand facing cases of disqualification under 10th Schedule of the Constitution are likely to resign from the State Assembly before the pronouncement of judgment by Speaker Alamgir Alam.

The suspended BJP MLAs - Godda MLA Pradeep Yadav and Dhanvar MLA Ravindra Kumar Rai in defiance to the party line joined hand with the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) led by Babulal Marandi are mulling over the option of resigning.

Apparently, the move might not help them directly but it can save them from the ignominy of being called disqualified. They might fight by-election or could be fielded in Lok Sabha poll as JVM candidate from their respective constituencies, sources close to them said.

The five suspended BJP MLAs are closely inching to some final decision on their disqualification as the double Bench of Jharkhand High Court wanted to know the office of the Speaker, by September 16 when it would finally dispose of these cases.

Well-placed sources in JVM confided that the resignation could probably be tendered only after one of the MLAs of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha vacates their seat for Shibu Soren. But before taking the decision the party would study both the legal and political aspects as it did not want to give JMM a free ground.

Godda is still considered to be a strong JMM bastion despite the fact that last time BJP candidate Pradeep Yadav had defeated JMM candidate Prashant Kumar by a whopping margin. In case Yadav resigns before hand, the JMM chief Soren can easily manage a victory from there, sources said.

However, both Yadav and Rai termed it as speculation and said that they would fight the case on both political and legal front. The way the State BJP is striving for their disqualifications with enough proofs, these two MLAs are learnt to be left with no option but to show a brave face.

"We do not want to give BJP a chance to call them disqualified and deserters. They would resign if the circumstances warrant but in every case they would be a sort of political martyr", said a senior JVM leader.

Yet the JVM is clueless about the mind of Kunti Devi, another suspended BJP MLA who has sided with it. But their plan to gain the status of political martyrdom and brave anti-BJP face will spoil if the Speaker gives an early decision on their disqualification before any JMM MLA vacates his seat for Soren. But there are several ifs and buts that will shape their strategy, said a top JVM leader.