Cong, JVM sing different tunes on President’s rule

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi| Monday, July 12, 2010

The JVM is Congress’ ally, but often it seems otherwise. Different interpretations of the President’s Rule in Jharkhand by the allies — the Congress and the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) — have exposed chinks in their relationship.

The altercation between the alliance partners over the continuation of the alliance and the ability of Governor MOH Farook in brining changes was initially restricted among second-rung leadership. But now, the chiefs and seniors of the respective parties have jumped on the bandwagon.

A few days back Jharkhand Congress president Pradeep Balmuchu slammed the JVM for an open criticism of the Congress, and went on to the extent of hinting that his alliance partner was free to part ways.

Balmuchu was reacting to the statements of some JVM leaders, including Samresh Singh, who opened a warfront against the Congress. The Congress strongly objected to the Samresh’s statement: “We are not ready to carry the burden of the sins of the Congress.”

Though, State Congress spokesperson Sailesh Sinha dismissed any confrontation-like situation between the partners saying their solidarity was at best display. “There are some of the leaders who are always ready to create controversies, but senior leadership in both the parties understands the importance of the alliance.”

But then JVM chief Babulal Marandi has made public his dislike to the President’s rule. It has come as jolt to the Congress. Marandi at a programme in Barhet criticised: “Even after one month, the President’s rule has failed to bring any change.”

Marandi was addressing Parivartan Rally and took opportunity to give the Congress a rap on knuckle over the President’s rule. “There is no control over bureaucracy. The middlemen are collecting cuts of around 40-45 per cent on welfare projects,” said Marandi.

Marandi did not talk about the Congress, rather asked people to give mandate to the JVM in the next election. The Congress tactically decided not to pick another battle with the JVM, but senior party leaders are miffed over Opposition-like behaviour of the JVM.

However peacemakers from both the sides are working overtime.

The JVM is looking for a bigger role in the state politics sans the Congress. It may be because the party got less than expected number of seats post alliance. However, the JVM leaders in a meeting with the State Congress incharge K Keshav Rao on June 28 tried to impress upon the immediate benefit that the alliance may reap in case Assembly election is held before that in Bihar. The party leader said the Congress-JVM alliance has every chance to perform better in Jharkhand and it will have impact on Bihar election.