FRONT PAGE, NATION
Soren to make way for BJP Govt by May 25
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ending a three-week long political impasse in Jharkhand, the ruling combine in the State — the JMM, BJP and AJSU on Tuesday reached an agreement on sharing power on rotational basis with a BJP-led Government headed by Arjun Munda to take over within a week.
At a joint Press conference, leaders of the alliance on Tuesday said that they have crossed the “first hurdle” with regard to transfer of power in the State. If everything goes according to their plans, Chief Minister Shibu Soren will resign on May 25 to make way for the BJP to form Government.
“We have decided that the BJP and JMM will share power for 28 months each with the BJP taking over in the first phase,” Chief Minister Shibu Soren and BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Arjun Munda told mediapersons after a meeting of the coalition partners.
Asked when he would step down as Chief Minister, Soren replied “very soon” without giving a date. The BJP and AJSU leaders, however, claimed the power shift would take place on May 25.
“As a general secretary of the party, I was asked by my party to take the initiative for the formation of the Government. You must be thinking about the next CM. Central BJP will nominate the CM in the coming days. You will be informed about all developments,” Munda said.
According to sources, the alliance partners would hold further meetings to iron out differences on “certain” issues.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and Munda’s arch rival Raghuwar Das publicly displayed his frustration by leaving the meeting in the middle. He kept away from the media briefing at the party headquarters addressed by Munda. Das is also the State president of the party.
Munda faction often blamed that Das for creating hurdles for the former Chief Minister. They said Das had told the JMM not accept Munda as the next Chief Minister.
Although coalition partners have claimed to have reached a consensus, sources told The Pioneer that there is still disagreement over the BJP’s choice for the CM, and distribution of portfolios.
If there is a factor that forced both the parties to negotiating table was news coming from the Raj Bhavan where Governor MOH Farook reportedly summoned the Advocate General to seek his advice over constitutional crisis.
“We do not want President’s rule in Jharkhand. We are united for the development of the State,” Hemant Soren told The Pioneer.
The BJP had announced its decision to withdraw support to the Shibu Soren government on April 28 after the JMM chief voted against the BJP-sponsored cut-motions in the Lok Sabha.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Guruji keeps disciple Arjun tense
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Saturday, May 22, 2010
The BJP will not stretch the deadline beyond May 25 for Shibu Soren to resign as Chief Minister for the transfer of power to the BJP as per the rotational formula.
Sources in the BJP said that the parliamentary board of the party will take a final decision on May 25 whether to keep an alliance with the JMM after Soren, who on Thursday declined that he ever made any commitment with the BJP to relinquish the CM’s post by May 25.
Authoritative sources in the BJP confirmed that Soren has been asked to resign by 2pm on May 25. “The BJP will withdraw support from the Shibu Soren Government. The BJP is not at all pleased with what Soren has been telling to the media after he agreed to resign as CM, following an agreement on rotational formula,” a senior BJP leader told The Pioneer over telephone from New Delhi.
BJP’s wait for final words from Soren over the transfer of power and his resignation from CM post might end on Saturday. “Soren is expected to make his stand public on Saturday through a Press conference. Today we had no significant political discussion over current impasse,” JMM MLA Hemlal Murmu told the media in Bokaro on Friday.
Murmu spoke quite a different thing; even contradicting his party boss Soren on a crucial point who claimed that the issue of his resignation was never discussed in the joint meeting of the JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD(U) on May 18.
“It is true that during the meeting leaders unanimously agreed that he (Soren) will resign from CM’s post by May 25 under the formula of the rotation of the CM’s post between the BJP and the JMM for 28 months each.”
Soren, who has been in Bokaro to commemorate first death anniversary of his elder son, Durga Soren, again reiterated what he had said on Thursday.
“I fought for the creation of Jharkhand. I formed the Government for five years, I will complete the tenure. Who will remove me? Will you?” Soren asked the media.
But then it was not the final statement. In between Soren’s claimed five years of tenure, “there could be a change also,” Soren said. For the BJP, it is difficult to draw any reference of the future course of strategy of Soren.
A section of the BJP that initially opposed the continuation of coalition Government with the JMM has mounted pressure on the party to snap tie with the JMM arguing that the party has suffered enough political loss.
Senior party leader MM Joshi on Friday even refused to comment over Jharkhand affair terming it “a theatre of the absurd”. “It has become a theatre of the absurd. I would not like to say anything more on this,” Joshi was quoted by PTI when the reporters asked for his views on JMM dilly-dallying over support to a BJP-led Government.
But BJP national vice-president Karuna Shukla and Godda MP Nishikant Dubey are few optimists who believed that Soren will step-down on the given date.
Nothing could stop JMM leaders and Soren from surcharging political atmosphere with oblique notes, even thought it was the first death anniversary of Durga Soren. Around six JMM MLAs who gathered to remember Durga reportedly huddled in a close door meeting with Soren at his Bokaro residence.
Soren has strategically let loose a couple of his party MLAs, including Teklal Mahato, Simon Marandi, Lobin Hembrum and Nalin Soren — reportedly in New Delhi — to negotiate with the Congress leaders sources said. The leaders may meet Oscar Fernandes, they added. BJP’s front runner for CM’s post Arjun Munda, who had taken initiative to persuade JMM to agree for power sharing on May 18 maintained silence.
“Boss will speak only after May 25,” one of his close aides said. But in between the make and mar of the government, Munda can at least bask in the glory of having gained support of the BJP parliamentary board that refused to form government in Jharkhand without Munda as CM.
RANCHI
‘In touch with NDA, UPA for stable Govt’
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | | Sunday, May 23, 2010
This is a bit like playing cricket at a third location as if your home turf has been dug up - JMM MLAs have moved from one location to another making BJP wary about the proposed transfer of the Chief Minister’s post.
“JMM legislators, right now, are located at different places. Some of them are in New Delhi. We will meet on Sunday in Ranchi to take a final decision,” Chief Minister and JMM chief Shibu Soren told the media in Bokaro on Saturday morning.
Soren who on Tuesday declined to resign as Chief Minister of the coalition Government of JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD (U) to hand over the Chief Minister’s post to the BJP; provided yet another political recipe.
“We are in touch with the NDA and UPA for a stable Government,” Soren added.
This came along with the changed stand of Soren’s MLA son Hemant Soren who till a couple of days back had sworn to stay in the NDA fold. “JMM had no such written agreement with the BJP during the joint meeting on May 18 under which he (Shibu Soren) has to resign by May 25. We are in touch with the UPA also and I do not rule out the possibility of an UPA Government in Jharkhand,” Hemant told the media in Bokaro.
The BJP broke its silence the over fast changing colour of the JMM and slammed Soren for making a white lie. “Soren has surprised everybody. How can Soren deny that he is among those signatories who had signed the agreement for the rotation of the Chief Minister’s post between the BJP and the JMM for 28 months each and agreed to step down by May 25?” senior BJP leader Saryu Rai said.
But the greater part of the responsibility of the 25-day-long political crisis in Jharkhand he invariably shifted to the State leadership for inapt handling of the issue.
“Surprisingly, the State leadership has kept its silence during all these days. No official statement has been given so far. It has lowered the morale of the party workers,” he said.
Rai rather suggested to the Central leadership to focus upon the party organisation and asked BJP Ministers in the Soren Government to resign.
A central BJP leader who had opposed any truck with the JMM told The Pioneer: “Mutual trust is a basic thing in coalition politics. It has lost in the case of BJP and JMM. I do not think of any prospect of Government formation.”
Soren is in the bid to woo the Congress to form the Government. His MLAs; Simon Marandi, Lobin Hembrom are staying in New Delhi desperately seeking audience of some senior Congress leaders. Rest are scattered at different places. But then, the final match will be played in Ranchi on Sunday if Soren is to be believed.
‘In touch with NDA, UPA for stable Govt’
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | | Sunday, May 23, 2010
This is a bit like playing cricket at a third location as if your home turf has been dug up - JMM MLAs have moved from one location to another making BJP wary about the proposed transfer of the Chief Minister’s post.
“JMM legislators, right now, are located at different places. Some of them are in New Delhi. We will meet on Sunday in Ranchi to take a final decision,” Chief Minister and JMM chief Shibu Soren told the media in Bokaro on Saturday morning.
Soren who on Tuesday declined to resign as Chief Minister of the coalition Government of JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD (U) to hand over the Chief Minister’s post to the BJP; provided yet another political recipe.
“We are in touch with the NDA and UPA for a stable Government,” Soren added.
This came along with the changed stand of Soren’s MLA son Hemant Soren who till a couple of days back had sworn to stay in the NDA fold. “JMM had no such written agreement with the BJP during the joint meeting on May 18 under which he (Shibu Soren) has to resign by May 25. We are in touch with the UPA also and I do not rule out the possibility of an UPA Government in Jharkhand,” Hemant told the media in Bokaro.
The BJP broke its silence the over fast changing colour of the JMM and slammed Soren for making a white lie. “Soren has surprised everybody. How can Soren deny that he is among those signatories who had signed the agreement for the rotation of the Chief Minister’s post between the BJP and the JMM for 28 months each and agreed to step down by May 25?” senior BJP leader Saryu Rai said.
But the greater part of the responsibility of the 25-day-long political crisis in Jharkhand he invariably shifted to the State leadership for inapt handling of the issue.
“Surprisingly, the State leadership has kept its silence during all these days. No official statement has been given so far. It has lowered the morale of the party workers,” he said.
Rai rather suggested to the Central leadership to focus upon the party organisation and asked BJP Ministers in the Soren Government to resign.
A central BJP leader who had opposed any truck with the JMM told The Pioneer: “Mutual trust is a basic thing in coalition politics. It has lost in the case of BJP and JMM. I do not think of any prospect of Government formation.”
Soren is in the bid to woo the Congress to form the Government. His MLAs; Simon Marandi, Lobin Hembrom are staying in New Delhi desperately seeking audience of some senior Congress leaders. Rest are scattered at different places. But then, the final match will be played in Ranchi on Sunday if Soren is to be believed.
NATION | Monday, May 24, 2010
BJP to withdraw support to Soren Govt today
Vijay Deo Jha/PNS | Ranchi/Delhi
The ongoing political crisis in Jharkhand seems to have made certain the divorce between the BJP and JMM. Former BJP president Rajnath Singh, on behalf of the national leadership of the party, has conveyed to chief ministerial candidate Arjun Munda and State party president Raghuwar Das to withdraw support to the JMM-led coalition Government.
The State BJP would withdraw support to the Soren Government on Monday, said State BJP spokesman Sanjay Seth. A BJP delegation led by Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das will meet Governor MOH Farooq on Monday morning to hand over the letter of withdrawal of support to the JMM Government, sources said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Shibu Soren on Sunday claimed that he had a “pending offer” of a berth in the Union Cabinet and said he would consider it when he felt like accepting it.
“Yes, the offer has been there for quite some time. But I will accept it when I feel like,” Soren told mediapersons in Bokaro when asked if he had any offer of a berth in the Union Cabinet. On Saturday, Soren had said that all options were open for the JMM and he was in touch with the Congress. Soren said he continued to be the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and would complete his tenure.
The BJP’s national vice-president and party in-charge of Jharkhand affairs Karuna Shukla, meanwhile, told PTI, “I can only say that the final outcome will come at the earliest.”
Earlier in the day, the BJP had said that it would wait till May 25 to take a final decision on the issue of support. “I do not want to give an untimely reaction to current political crisis in Jharkhand. Let us wait till May 25 when Soren has to resign. BJP parliamentary body will settle the matter for all,” BJP national vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told The Pioneer.
Looking for an honourable exit point from the ‘theatre of absurd’ --- as Murli Manohar Joshi told about the political impasse between the BJP and the JMM --- sources in the BJP suggested that the party had no more options left except withdrawal of support if Soren refuses to step down to honour the deal.
“The BJP is a national party and it must behave accordingly…as per agreement with JMM, Soren has to relinquish the post by May 25. We should wait till this time,” Naqvi said on Sunday afternoon.
The BJP has been watching the move of the Congress that has just entered into the scene. Sources in the BJP claimed that a few of the JMM MLAs are still in the favour of the BJP-led Government. “What they speak publicly against a BJP-led Government but there are a few JMM MLAs who are in our support,” a senior office bearer of the BJP said.
Senior BJP leader Saryu Rai, who opposed any alliance with the JMM right from the first day, termed the very division in the JMM quite natural.
“Two years back during the Rajya Sabha election, there was a vertical split in the JMM when the party MLAs got divided on the name of supporting the BJP and the Congress. Two years later the JMM has been facing the same situation. That time a big corporate honcho was involved in wheeling-dealing…today people of same feather are fomenting trouble in the JMM,” Rai said this at a Press conference.
He reminded the past statement of JMM MLA Hemlal Murmu, who publicly accepted that Soren as per agreement has to resign by May 25 under the formula of the rotation of CM post to the BJP for first 28 months.
Meanwhile, the Congress is learnt to be working on the strategy to engage the JMM in negotiation. But then the Congress has no convincing roadmap to the JMM to form an alternative Government and the party is not sure whether its key ally JVM having 11 MLAs will be the part of a deal. But the RJD with five MLAs is ready to join Congress’ effort to form Government to kick out the BJP.
Sources in the Congress said that Central Congress leadership is not keen to form Government with the help of the JMM. And on an occasion, party sources said, it lambasted State leadership for showing unnecessary enthusiasm to form Government.
“But then, we can mar the prospect of the Government formation. We have not been stopped from doing so. Initial results are encouraging,” a senior Congress leader said. Ranchi once again became the centre stage of the State politics after staying in Bokaro for a couple of days.
Soren returned to Ranchi on Sunday night. A couple of JMM MLAs, including Teklal Mahato, Simon Marandi and Lobin Hembrom, who reportedly shifted their base to New Delhi searching the prospect of a new Government with UPA are expected to return on Monday/Tuesday night.
BJP to withdraw support to Soren Govt today
Vijay Deo Jha/PNS | Ranchi/Delhi
The ongoing political crisis in Jharkhand seems to have made certain the divorce between the BJP and JMM. Former BJP president Rajnath Singh, on behalf of the national leadership of the party, has conveyed to chief ministerial candidate Arjun Munda and State party president Raghuwar Das to withdraw support to the JMM-led coalition Government.
The State BJP would withdraw support to the Soren Government on Monday, said State BJP spokesman Sanjay Seth. A BJP delegation led by Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das will meet Governor MOH Farooq on Monday morning to hand over the letter of withdrawal of support to the JMM Government, sources said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Shibu Soren on Sunday claimed that he had a “pending offer” of a berth in the Union Cabinet and said he would consider it when he felt like accepting it.
“Yes, the offer has been there for quite some time. But I will accept it when I feel like,” Soren told mediapersons in Bokaro when asked if he had any offer of a berth in the Union Cabinet. On Saturday, Soren had said that all options were open for the JMM and he was in touch with the Congress. Soren said he continued to be the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and would complete his tenure.
The BJP’s national vice-president and party in-charge of Jharkhand affairs Karuna Shukla, meanwhile, told PTI, “I can only say that the final outcome will come at the earliest.”
Earlier in the day, the BJP had said that it would wait till May 25 to take a final decision on the issue of support. “I do not want to give an untimely reaction to current political crisis in Jharkhand. Let us wait till May 25 when Soren has to resign. BJP parliamentary body will settle the matter for all,” BJP national vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told The Pioneer.
Looking for an honourable exit point from the ‘theatre of absurd’ --- as Murli Manohar Joshi told about the political impasse between the BJP and the JMM --- sources in the BJP suggested that the party had no more options left except withdrawal of support if Soren refuses to step down to honour the deal.
“The BJP is a national party and it must behave accordingly…as per agreement with JMM, Soren has to relinquish the post by May 25. We should wait till this time,” Naqvi said on Sunday afternoon.
The BJP has been watching the move of the Congress that has just entered into the scene. Sources in the BJP claimed that a few of the JMM MLAs are still in the favour of the BJP-led Government. “What they speak publicly against a BJP-led Government but there are a few JMM MLAs who are in our support,” a senior office bearer of the BJP said.
Senior BJP leader Saryu Rai, who opposed any alliance with the JMM right from the first day, termed the very division in the JMM quite natural.
“Two years back during the Rajya Sabha election, there was a vertical split in the JMM when the party MLAs got divided on the name of supporting the BJP and the Congress. Two years later the JMM has been facing the same situation. That time a big corporate honcho was involved in wheeling-dealing…today people of same feather are fomenting trouble in the JMM,” Rai said this at a Press conference.
He reminded the past statement of JMM MLA Hemlal Murmu, who publicly accepted that Soren as per agreement has to resign by May 25 under the formula of the rotation of CM post to the BJP for first 28 months.
Meanwhile, the Congress is learnt to be working on the strategy to engage the JMM in negotiation. But then the Congress has no convincing roadmap to the JMM to form an alternative Government and the party is not sure whether its key ally JVM having 11 MLAs will be the part of a deal. But the RJD with five MLAs is ready to join Congress’ effort to form Government to kick out the BJP.
Sources in the Congress said that Central Congress leadership is not keen to form Government with the help of the JMM. And on an occasion, party sources said, it lambasted State leadership for showing unnecessary enthusiasm to form Government.
“But then, we can mar the prospect of the Government formation. We have not been stopped from doing so. Initial results are encouraging,” a senior Congress leader said. Ranchi once again became the centre stage of the State politics after staying in Bokaro for a couple of days.
Soren returned to Ranchi on Sunday night. A couple of JMM MLAs, including Teklal Mahato, Simon Marandi and Lobin Hembrom, who reportedly shifted their base to New Delhi searching the prospect of a new Government with UPA are expected to return on Monday/Tuesday night.
BJP to withdraw support to Govt today
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | | Monday, May 24, 2010
The ongoing political crisis in Jharkhand seems to have made certain the divorce between the BJP and the JMM. State BJP sources told The Pioneer that former BJP national president, Rajnath Singh, on behalf of the national leadership of the party, conveyed to BJP's chief ministerial candidate Arjun Munda and Jharkhand BJP president Raghuwar Das to withdraw support to the JMM-led coalition Government.
The State BJP would withdraw support to the Soren Government on Monday, said State BJP spokesman Sanjay Seth. A BJP delegation led by Jharkhand Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das will meet Governor MOH Farooq on Monday morning to hand over the letter of withdrawal of support to the JMM Government, the source said.
Earlier in the day the BJP had said that it would wait till May 25 to take a final decision on the support issue to the Coalition Government headed by Shibu Soren.
“I do not want to give an untimely reaction to current political crisis in Jharkhand. Let us wait till May 25 when Soren has to resign. BJP parliamentary body will settle the matter for all,” BJP national vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told The Pioneer over telephone from New Delhi.
Looking for an honourable exit point from the 'theatre of absurd' — as Murli Manohar Joshi told about the political impasse between the BJP and the JMM — sources in the BJP suggested that the party had no more options left except withdrawal of support if Soren refuses to step down to honour the deal.
“BJP is a national party and it must behave accordingly…as per agreement with the JMM Soren has to relinquish CM post by May 25. We should wait till this time,” Naqvi said in the afternoon.
The BJP has been watching the move of the Congress that has just entered into the scene. Sources in the BJP claimed that a few of the JMM MLAs are still in the favour of the BJP-led Government. “What they speak publicly against a BJP-led Government but there are a few JMM MLAs who are in our support,” a senior office bearer of the BJP said.
Senior BJP leader Saryu Rai, who opposed any alliance with the JMM right from the first day, termed the very division in the JMM quite natural.
“Two years back during the Rajya Sabha election, there was a vertical split in the JMM when the party MLAs got divided on the name of supporting the BJP and the Congress. Two years later the JMM has been facing the same situation. That time a big corporate honcho was involved in wheeling-dealing…today people of same feather are fomenting trouble in the JMM,” Rai said this at a Press conference.
He reminded the past statement of JMM MLA Hemlal Murmu, who publicly accepted that Soren as per agreement has to resign by May 25 under the formula of the rotation of CM post to the BJP for first 28 months.
Meanwhile, the Congress is learnt to be working on the strategy to engage the JMM in negotiation. But then the Congress has no convincing roadmap to the JMM to form an alternative Government and the party is not sure whether its key ally JVM having 11 MLAs will be the part of a deal. But the RJD with five MLAs is ready to join Congress' effort to form Government to kick out the BJP.
Sources in the Congress said that Central Congress leadership is not keen to form Government with the help of the JMM. And on an occasion, party sources said, it lambasted State leadership for showing unnecessary enthusiasm to form Government.
“But then, we can mar the prospect of the Government formation. We have not been stopped from doing so. Initial results are encouraging,” a senior Congress leader said. Ranchi once again became the centre stage of the State politics after staying in Bokaro for a couple of days.
Soren returned to Ranchi on Sunday night. A couple of JMM MLAs, including Teklal Mahato, Simon Marandi and Lobin Hembrom, who reportedly shifted their base to New Delhi searching the prospect of a new Government with UPA are expected to return on Monday/Tuesday night.
FRONT PAGE, NATION
BJP pulls plug; Soren to prove majority in a week
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The BJP, after 27 days of vacillation, finally withdrew support to the coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Shibu Soren in Jharkhand on Monday.
The Soren Government was reduced to minority after a delegation of the party leaders headed by party national general secretary Arjun Munda along with deputy Chief Minister and state BJP president Raghuwar Das handed over the letter of the withdrawal of support to Governor MOH Farook.
Farook summoned Soren on Monday evening and held a closed-door meeting for half an hour. No details have emerged about the discussions inside, but the central agenda was not a matter of too much speculation — Soren was asked to prove his majority on the floor of the House.
On May 18, Soren had refused to resign to pass on the CM’s post to the BJP under rotational formula agreed upon during the joint meeting of JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD (U).
“We sought time to prove our majority and we were given one week…the Government needs to prove majority before or by May 31.
We have a magic number behind,” JMM general secretary and Soren’s MLA son Hemant Soren told the media at the Governor House.
But Hemant doggedly refused to reveal any details or even how he plans to control the magic number after the coalition Government was reduced to minority following the walk-out of the BJP with 18 MLAs.
Hemant refused to comment whether he received an assurance from the Congress (14 MLAs) and the like-minded other secular forces — RJD (5 MLAs) — for a bailout during the trust motion nor his body language suggested a lightning breakthrough on this count.
The Congress is merely happy over the success of its strategy after it engaged dissidents within the JMM for a couple of weeks airing positive notes and frustrated the BJP to the extent where it finally withdrew support to the Soren Government.
The BJP is cross with the Congress for sponsoring dirty politics in Jharkhand. Both Munda and Das said common things to the media. “As the national party the BJP followed the coalition dharma. But our coalition partner —JMM — continued to fluctuate its stand over transfer of power. But it is a matter of sorrow that the Congress party has been indulged in political destabilisation of Jharkhand the day it was formed,” they said. Sources said that BJP did not want to take any final decision before May 25 when it had set a deadline for Soren to resign. “Party even tolerated the conflicting statement of Soren but did not tolerate Hemant’s pro-UPA note since he played a key role to bring the BJP and JMM closer.
Sources in the Congress said that JMM has been in touch with the party trying to work out a composite formula. But the central Congress has not given any indication for go-ahead.
Apart from the much-talked-about President’s Rule, there are three prospects to form the Government. Congress with 14 MLAs, AJSU (5 MLAs), JMM (18 MLAs) and the support of three other independent MLAs might form the Government. But the Congress might fear the wrath of Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikash Morcha which will hardly like Congress’ love-note towards its arch-rival JMM.
There is yet another possibility for the Congress-JMM-JVM combine to form the Government. But sources in the Congress said that Marandi could be persuaded to join the Government only if he is offered the CM’s post.
“I will not back out if initiatives are taken to form the Government. We have our certain views…and if JMM is so much allergic towards the JVM, it can form the Government with the help of Congress and other splintered groups. JVM will act as the watchdog,” Marandi said. A coalition Government headed by JVM will hardly be accepted by the JMM which still holds the key to the Government formation.
Even after no possibility is left for Soren to contest the election, sources in the Congress listed difficulties in ensconcing JMM at the helm of affairs — the CM’s post.
“An influential section of central leadership of the Congress holds negative views about Soren and JMM for his anti-Green Hunt approach…agar Soren ko CM banana hota toh election ke baad bhi Congress ye kar sakti thi,” a senior Congress leader said.
The grammar on the JMM side is suffused with positives; the BJP is using muted, often pessimistic, adjectives for eating a humble pie.
BJP pulls plug; Soren to prove majority in a week
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The BJP, after 27 days of vacillation, finally withdrew support to the coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Shibu Soren in Jharkhand on Monday.
The Soren Government was reduced to minority after a delegation of the party leaders headed by party national general secretary Arjun Munda along with deputy Chief Minister and state BJP president Raghuwar Das handed over the letter of the withdrawal of support to Governor MOH Farook.
Farook summoned Soren on Monday evening and held a closed-door meeting for half an hour. No details have emerged about the discussions inside, but the central agenda was not a matter of too much speculation — Soren was asked to prove his majority on the floor of the House.
On May 18, Soren had refused to resign to pass on the CM’s post to the BJP under rotational formula agreed upon during the joint meeting of JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD (U).
“We sought time to prove our majority and we were given one week…the Government needs to prove majority before or by May 31.
We have a magic number behind,” JMM general secretary and Soren’s MLA son Hemant Soren told the media at the Governor House.
But Hemant doggedly refused to reveal any details or even how he plans to control the magic number after the coalition Government was reduced to minority following the walk-out of the BJP with 18 MLAs.
Hemant refused to comment whether he received an assurance from the Congress (14 MLAs) and the like-minded other secular forces — RJD (5 MLAs) — for a bailout during the trust motion nor his body language suggested a lightning breakthrough on this count.
The Congress is merely happy over the success of its strategy after it engaged dissidents within the JMM for a couple of weeks airing positive notes and frustrated the BJP to the extent where it finally withdrew support to the Soren Government.
The BJP is cross with the Congress for sponsoring dirty politics in Jharkhand. Both Munda and Das said common things to the media. “As the national party the BJP followed the coalition dharma. But our coalition partner —JMM — continued to fluctuate its stand over transfer of power. But it is a matter of sorrow that the Congress party has been indulged in political destabilisation of Jharkhand the day it was formed,” they said. Sources said that BJP did not want to take any final decision before May 25 when it had set a deadline for Soren to resign. “Party even tolerated the conflicting statement of Soren but did not tolerate Hemant’s pro-UPA note since he played a key role to bring the BJP and JMM closer.
Sources in the Congress said that JMM has been in touch with the party trying to work out a composite formula. But the central Congress has not given any indication for go-ahead.
Apart from the much-talked-about President’s Rule, there are three prospects to form the Government. Congress with 14 MLAs, AJSU (5 MLAs), JMM (18 MLAs) and the support of three other independent MLAs might form the Government. But the Congress might fear the wrath of Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikash Morcha which will hardly like Congress’ love-note towards its arch-rival JMM.
There is yet another possibility for the Congress-JMM-JVM combine to form the Government. But sources in the Congress said that Marandi could be persuaded to join the Government only if he is offered the CM’s post.
“I will not back out if initiatives are taken to form the Government. We have our certain views…and if JMM is so much allergic towards the JVM, it can form the Government with the help of Congress and other splintered groups. JVM will act as the watchdog,” Marandi said. A coalition Government headed by JVM will hardly be accepted by the JMM which still holds the key to the Government formation.
Even after no possibility is left for Soren to contest the election, sources in the Congress listed difficulties in ensconcing JMM at the helm of affairs — the CM’s post.
“An influential section of central leadership of the Congress holds negative views about Soren and JMM for his anti-Green Hunt approach…agar Soren ko CM banana hota toh election ke baad bhi Congress ye kar sakti thi,” a senior Congress leader said.
The grammar on the JMM side is suffused with positives; the BJP is using muted, often pessimistic, adjectives for eating a humble pie.
BJP withdraws support
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The BJP after 27 days of vacillation finally withdrew support to the coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Shibu Soren in Jharkhand on Monday.
The Soren Government was reduced to minority after a delegation of the party leaders headed by party national general secretary Arjun Munda along with deputy Chief Minister and state BJP president Raghuwar Das handed over the letter of the withdrawal of support to Governor MOH Farook.
Farook summoned Soren on Monday evening and held a closed-door meeting for half an hour. No details have emerged about the discussions inside, but the central agenda was not a matter of too much speculation — Soren was asked to prove his majority on the floor of the House.
On May 18, Soren had refused to resign to pass on the CM’s post to the BJP under rotational formula agreed upon during the joint meeting of JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD (U).
“We sought time to prove our majority and we were given one week…the Government needs to prove majority before or by May 31.
We have a magic number behind,” JMM general secretary and Soren’s MLA son Hemant Soren told the media at the Governor House.
But Hemant doggedly refused to reveal any details or even how he plans to control the magic number after the coalition Government was reduced to minority following the walk-out of the BJP with 18 MLAs.
Hemant refused to comment whether he received an assurance from the Congress (14 MLAs) and the like-minded other secular forces — RJD (5 MLAs) — for a bailout during the trust motion nor his body language suggested a lightning breakthrough on this count.
The Congress is merely happy over the success of its strategy after it engaged dissidents within the JMM for a couple of weeks airing positive notes and frustrated the BJP to the extent where it finally withdrew support to the Soren Government.
The BJP is cross with the Congress for sponsoring dirty politics in Jharkhand. Both Munda and Das said common things to the media. “As the national party the BJP followed the coalition dharma. But our coalition partner —JMM — continued to fluctuate its stand over transfer of power. But it is a matter of sorrow that the Congress party has been indulged in political destabilisation of Jharkhand the day it was formed,” they said. Sources said that BJP did not want to take any final decision before May 25 when it had set a deadline for Soren to resign. “Party even tolerated the conflicting statement of Soren but did not tolerate Hemant’s pro-UPA note since he played a key role to bring the BJP and JMM closer.
Sources in the Congress said that JMM has been in touch with the party trying to work out a composite formula. But the central Congress has not given any indication for go-ahead.
Apart from the much-talked-about President’s Rule, there are three prospects to form the Government. Congress with 14 MLAs, AJSU (5 MLAs), JMM (18 MLAs) and the support of three other independent MLAs might form the Government. But the Congress might fear the wrath of Babulal Marandi of Jharkhand Vikash Morcha which will hardly like Congress’ love-note towards its arch-rival JMM.
There is yet another possibility for the Congress-JMM-JVM combine to form the Government. But sources in the Congress said that Marandi could be persuaded to join the Government only if he is offered the CM’s post.
“I will not back out if initiatives are taken to form the Government. We have our certain views…and if JMM is so much allergic towards the JVM, it can form the Government with the help of Congress and other splintered groups. JVM will act as the watchdog,” Marandi said. A coalition Government headed by JVM will hardly be accepted by the JMM which still holds the key to the Government formation.
Even after no possibility is left for Soren to contest the election, sources in the Congress listed difficulties in ensconcing JMM at the helm of affairs — the CM’s post.
“An influential section of central leadership of the Congress holds negative views about Soren and JMM for his anti-Green Hunt approach…agar Soren ko CM banana hota toh election ke baad bhi Congress ye kar sakti thi,” a senior Congress leader said.
The grammar on the JMM side is suffused with positives; the BJP is using muted, often pessimistic, adjectives for eating a humble pie.
NATION
Parties run for elusive power
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi|Thursday, May 27, 2010
Hurt with the latest brush of shaky politics in Jharkhand, central BJP leadership is in no mood to rub shoulders with the JMM, nevertheless, a section of party led by Arjun Munda still hopes a rapprochement. “BJP is not going to change its mind…JMM has no political accountability,” State BJP incharge Karuna Shukla said.
Earlier at a Press conference on Wednesday, State BJP president Raghuwar Das announced that the BJP would vote against the Shibu Soren Government during the floor testing in the Assembly. Das, who had resigned from the post of Deputy Chief Minister, along with three other ministers, in the Soren Governmentm addressed the media after the meeting of party legislative body.
Field is now open for the Congress to explore the possibility to form the Government with the help of its ally Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM). But the JVM added another twist, advocating a JVM-Congress Government refusing to give JMM a major say in the alliance Government with either CM or deputy CM post. “JMM can be the part of the Government. It will have the privy to support the Government from the outside but a JMM-led Government is not acceptable to us,” a senior JVM leader said.
It is doubtful whether JMM chief Shibu Soren will agree to such terms and conditions. The Congress might convince JVM chief Babulal Marandi to concede a respectable home space for the JMM in the Government.
Sensing ahead Congress’ probable argument, Marandi has just come in bargaining mode and will be ready to suspend his anti-JMM plank temporarily. On Wednesday, the party asked the Congress to support the JVM for one out of two seats of the Rajya Sabha. The election to these will be held in the mid of June.
Though the JVM announced to oppose the Government during the trust vote but Congress sources suggested: “Burden will now be on the Congress to rewrite the script of the Government formation. The JMM and the Congress having won one seat each in the Rajya Sabha that means the JMM will have to relinquish its claim over the seat to keep JVM satisfied.”
That means also the crisis will continue beyond June 17 when the elections of two seats is expected to be held. At a time when no party --- Congress (14 MLAs), JMM (18MLAs), BJP (18MLAs) and JVM (11MLAs) are in the position to win even a single seat with joining hands with others, the BJP is caught deeper in the mess after it withdrew support from the Soren Government.
Soren’s crisis is immediate as he requires to prove majority by May 31. And so is the case with the Congress since the party has not been able to fix its next move whether to bail out Soren during trust motion or to dump it.
“The Congress has less time for a deal agreeable to both the JMM and the JVM. Problem is that Soren has not shown his cards. There is double jeopardy if the Congress supports the JMM and our alliance partner JVM opposes it on the floor. The Congress will suffer loss of credibility heavier than what BJP suffered in this episode. You can’t trust anybody in State politics which is many steps ahead in Machiavellian politics,” a senior state Congress leader said.
Meanwhile, AICC Jharkhand incharge K Keshav Rao, party state president Pradeep Balmuchu and CLP leader Rajinder Singh will meet party national president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss combinations and possibilities of the Government formation.
JMM legislative body meeting was called on in Ranchi which continued till late Wednesday night. Tomorrow will be another day of political permutation and combination.
JMM meet cancelled
JMM legislative body meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday evening was cancelled as some party MLAs could not come for the meet. Meanwhile, JMM leaders Hemant Soren and Haji Hussain Ansari had to postpone their visit to Delhi as the helicopter they had to travel in developed some technical snag on Wednesday evening.
Parties run for elusive power
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi|Thursday, May 27, 2010
Hurt with the latest brush of shaky politics in Jharkhand, central BJP leadership is in no mood to rub shoulders with the JMM, nevertheless, a section of party led by Arjun Munda still hopes a rapprochement. “BJP is not going to change its mind…JMM has no political accountability,” State BJP incharge Karuna Shukla said.
Earlier at a Press conference on Wednesday, State BJP president Raghuwar Das announced that the BJP would vote against the Shibu Soren Government during the floor testing in the Assembly. Das, who had resigned from the post of Deputy Chief Minister, along with three other ministers, in the Soren Governmentm addressed the media after the meeting of party legislative body.
Field is now open for the Congress to explore the possibility to form the Government with the help of its ally Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM). But the JVM added another twist, advocating a JVM-Congress Government refusing to give JMM a major say in the alliance Government with either CM or deputy CM post. “JMM can be the part of the Government. It will have the privy to support the Government from the outside but a JMM-led Government is not acceptable to us,” a senior JVM leader said.
It is doubtful whether JMM chief Shibu Soren will agree to such terms and conditions. The Congress might convince JVM chief Babulal Marandi to concede a respectable home space for the JMM in the Government.
Sensing ahead Congress’ probable argument, Marandi has just come in bargaining mode and will be ready to suspend his anti-JMM plank temporarily. On Wednesday, the party asked the Congress to support the JVM for one out of two seats of the Rajya Sabha. The election to these will be held in the mid of June.
Though the JVM announced to oppose the Government during the trust vote but Congress sources suggested: “Burden will now be on the Congress to rewrite the script of the Government formation. The JMM and the Congress having won one seat each in the Rajya Sabha that means the JMM will have to relinquish its claim over the seat to keep JVM satisfied.”
That means also the crisis will continue beyond June 17 when the elections of two seats is expected to be held. At a time when no party --- Congress (14 MLAs), JMM (18MLAs), BJP (18MLAs) and JVM (11MLAs) are in the position to win even a single seat with joining hands with others, the BJP is caught deeper in the mess after it withdrew support from the Soren Government.
Soren’s crisis is immediate as he requires to prove majority by May 31. And so is the case with the Congress since the party has not been able to fix its next move whether to bail out Soren during trust motion or to dump it.
“The Congress has less time for a deal agreeable to both the JMM and the JVM. Problem is that Soren has not shown his cards. There is double jeopardy if the Congress supports the JMM and our alliance partner JVM opposes it on the floor. The Congress will suffer loss of credibility heavier than what BJP suffered in this episode. You can’t trust anybody in State politics which is many steps ahead in Machiavellian politics,” a senior state Congress leader said.
Meanwhile, AICC Jharkhand incharge K Keshav Rao, party state president Pradeep Balmuchu and CLP leader Rajinder Singh will meet party national president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss combinations and possibilities of the Government formation.
JMM legislative body meeting was called on in Ranchi which continued till late Wednesday night. Tomorrow will be another day of political permutation and combination.
JMM meet cancelled
JMM legislative body meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday evening was cancelled as some party MLAs could not come for the meet. Meanwhile, JMM leaders Hemant Soren and Haji Hussain Ansari had to postpone their visit to Delhi as the helicopter they had to travel in developed some technical snag on Wednesday evening.
Trust vote: Special session on May 31
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Friday, May 28, 2010
Chief Minister Shibu Soren held a special meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday and decided to seek trust vote on May 31. Briefing the media, Cabinet Secretary Aditya Swaroop said that the Cabinet requested Governor MOH Farook to convene the special session of the Assembly at Sri Krishna Institute of Public Administration (SKIPA).
The State Government opted SKIPA to hold the session since as the building of State Assembly is under renovation. Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi summoned senior Congress leader Oscar Fernandis, AICC incharge K Keshav Rao, State Congress president Pradeep Balmuchu, CLP leader Rajinder Singh and a few others on Thursday in New Delhi to know about political impasse in Jharkhand. “Party will prefer ‘wait and watch’ till May 31. We will tell later on,” Congress leader Sailesh Sinha said.
Credible sources in the Congress said that Rao, who is also in-charge of the state Congress, is expected to visit Ranchi Friday to for a backroom negotiation with the JMM and Congress' ally Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM) to explore some points of agreements.
"Madam (Sonia)" source said, "largely discussed upcoming elections of two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand…it is also a critical part other than government formation. Now JVM has sought one seat from the Congress. We are looking for some way," sources in the Congress said.
Sonia Gandhi has an overall view that Congress should initiate Government formation exercise only after the JMM finally announces its divorce with the BJP apart from the fact that JVM must be taken into confidence, a senior party leader said.
Rao maintained Sonia's line during his talk with the media in New Delhi; portraying brighter prospect of the formation of the UPA Government with the help of the JMM. He reaffirmed: "The JVM is an ally of the Congress. We are keen to form a secular Government."
The Congress tactically employed Furkan Ansari to send this message to Soren saying that Soren should resign first and cross-over to the UPA to establish his secular credential for the Government formation. Balmuchu maintained same line stating "unless a government falls, a fresh government can not be formed."
Coming three days will be crucial for the party to gauge the mood of Soren over Government formation and the Rajya Sabha election. It is not that of Hemant whom the Congress accuses even today for hobnobbing with the BJP and Arjun Munda for political realignment. If that is true then Congress might advise Soren to step-down before floor test and sit across the table for fresh negotiation over government formation. Congress planning to grab both the seats of the Rajya Sabha may ask Soren to support Congress-JVM candidates during elections promising enough ministerial berths in the proposed UPA Government.
All it depends upon how JMM reacts over such proposals. Soren's son and leader of the JMM Legislative Body Hemant Soren refused to disclose his plans to save the government. "We command magic number," tapping fingers both the sides - NDA and UPA, Hemant refused to disclose how will he conjure the magic number.
His party colleague and HRD Minister Hemlal Murmu was little bit unambiguous in telling so. "We are serious to form the government…talks are underway. We do not want President's Rule and mid-term election. But, please note without JMM none can form the Government and can even win Rajya Sabha seats."
Among those few who command JMM, Soren is probably last man who either does not know about 'what next' or feigns ignorance as seasoned politician. "Kya bole? Kuch bolne ke liye hai kya? (What to speak? Is there anything left speak?)" Soren muted, scratched his head and left out the CMO after the cabinet meeting.
Cong wary of BJP-JMM ties after fall of Govt
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Saturday, May 29, 2010
They are still honourable ministers in the coalition Government of Chief Minister Shibu Soren; continue to enjoy perks privileges even after they tendered resignations a few days back. Their resignation has not been accepted so far.
BJP’s Raghuwar Das, Barkuwar Gagrai, Nilkanth Singh Munda, Vaidyanath Ram and JD(U) Sudha Chaudhary, constitutionally, are still Ministers despite their parties withdrew support to the Soren Government.
It might have little news value but gives thick political indications that the JMM has still not severed its relation with the BJP. “I will not comment on the political aspects. You are free to draw your conclusion. But their resignations are still pending with the Chief Minister.” a senior official of the CMO told The Pioneer.
Although the BJP and the JD(U) have announced to oppose the Soren Government during the floor test but Ministers’ resignation letters on hold; has made the Congress wary about probable realignment of the JMM and the BJP after or before floor test on May 31.
Working quietly behind uncertain political babble, Congress’ spin doctors are in close door negotiation to stitch numbers behind to stake claim to form next government.
Party can approach Governor MOH Farook to form the Government after the fall of the Shibu Soren Government, claiming the second largest coalition partner-JVM-Congress with 25 MLAs on its side.
Sources in the Congress close to The Pioneer said that the party is mulling to stake claim to form Government to stop any chance of the JMM-BJP realignment after Soren fails to win the trust vote on May 31 or resign before that.
Even after the BJP withdrew its support to the coalition Government led by Chief Minister Shibu Soren, the Congress has not ruled out the possibility of a fresh JMM-BJP realignment.
“They are strange partners without any divorce. They can unite compelled by political circumstances even after BJP opposes Soren during the floor testing. The JMM might offer its support to the BJP to form the Government. But then, we will stake claim to form next Government as second largest alliance partner to frustrate them,” a senior Congress leader said.
Claiming a Government without the JMM was possible, he suggested a rainbow coalition consisting of the JVM (11 MLAs), the Congress (14MLAs) the RJD (5MLAs) the AJSU (5 MLAs) and seven independent MLAs.
“That makes a comfortable majority,” he said and claimed, “JVM chief Babulal Marandi will finally agree to this.”
In the past couple of days AJSU chief and Deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Kumar Mahto grabbed the centre stage of political parley with the BJP and the JMM to bring to bring the BJP-JMM on the same platform to avert the fall of the Government.
AJSU shaking hands with the UPA appears to have a dubious distinction owing to its natural affiliation with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
RANCHI
Kiss media then kick media
Raghu-war at media, scribe hurts
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Gregor Johann Mendel took pain to experiment with pea pods to bring to us the kernel truth about genetics and heredity: Like Begets Like. Three decades of rearing in the BJP, another many years of stay in party’s student wing—ABVP failed to chisel him. He continues to be raw even today as he happened to be during his young days in Chhatra Sangharsh Wahini of Jay Prakash Narayan movement.
State BJP president Raghuwar Das may have just proved himself a keen student of Jharkhand’s rule of political conduct where decency is seldom required despite he heads ‘the party with discipline’ and had been Minister in the previous Governments.
Images rolling on the television screen on Monday afternoon underlined this where Das misbehaved with a news channel scribe outside of the Raj Bhawan. It ended in the hairline fracture of right hand wrist of senior scribe of Sahara news channel Madhukar when he tried to take a bite of Das over the next move of the party following the resignation of Chief Minister Shibu Soren on Sunday late night.
“As he came outside of Raj Bhawan along with state BJP general secretary Ganesh Mishra after his meeting with the Governor in his vehicle. He lowered down the speed of his vehicle. He lowered down his power widow. I requested him to comment over what transpired during the meeting…and inserted my boom mike inside. He bluntly refused to speak and rolled-on power window; speeded-up the vehicle without allowing me to drag my hand out,” Madhukar said after the incident.
Das was particularly annoyed with some of the reports of the scribe about resentment among BJP MLAs against Das and his probable role in persuading central BJP not to form government with the JMM after Arjun Munda defeated him in the race for CM post.
Das’ act did not surprise many who have been covering BJP and him from the last many years. An errant tongue Das stings his opponents and has created an aura of firebrand around him sans sophistication. It is not the first and last case of verbal spat of Das with the media.
“Two years back in Jamshedpur he threatened a local scribe to chop the fingers pointed at him. As one’s inherent quality and demerit grows with age. It has reached to an alarming point in case of Das,” a senior BJP leader of Jamshedpur said.
“I do not know what is going wrong with this man now a day?” his one time patron Amrendra Pratap Singh expressed surprise, “he was a good and disciplined man.”
After becoming deputy chief minister Das stopped to speak to the media even on telephone and on some occasions invoked earthy adjectives Das faced the protest of the media at party headquarter on Monday evening over his act. Media refused to enter into BJP office to cover official briefing until he seeks unconditional apology.
Raghuwar Das remained unrepentant over patent wrongdoing and refused to accept it a mistake, initially. Half an hour later he admitted half tone, “I am really sorry I regret. But some times media unnecessarily haunt us for comment. Madhukar was doing the same. But I did not do it intentionally.
Das’ close aide and his inexperienced PA had already passed the verdict this afternoon. “This is a drama.”
Kiss media then kick media
Raghu-war at media, scribe hurts
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Gregor Johann Mendel took pain to experiment with pea pods to bring to us the kernel truth about genetics and heredity: Like Begets Like. Three decades of rearing in the BJP, another many years of stay in party’s student wing—ABVP failed to chisel him. He continues to be raw even today as he happened to be during his young days in Chhatra Sangharsh Wahini of Jay Prakash Narayan movement.
State BJP president Raghuwar Das may have just proved himself a keen student of Jharkhand’s rule of political conduct where decency is seldom required despite he heads ‘the party with discipline’ and had been Minister in the previous Governments.
Images rolling on the television screen on Monday afternoon underlined this where Das misbehaved with a news channel scribe outside of the Raj Bhawan. It ended in the hairline fracture of right hand wrist of senior scribe of Sahara news channel Madhukar when he tried to take a bite of Das over the next move of the party following the resignation of Chief Minister Shibu Soren on Sunday late night.
“As he came outside of Raj Bhawan along with state BJP general secretary Ganesh Mishra after his meeting with the Governor in his vehicle. He lowered down the speed of his vehicle. He lowered down his power widow. I requested him to comment over what transpired during the meeting…and inserted my boom mike inside. He bluntly refused to speak and rolled-on power window; speeded-up the vehicle without allowing me to drag my hand out,” Madhukar said after the incident.
Das was particularly annoyed with some of the reports of the scribe about resentment among BJP MLAs against Das and his probable role in persuading central BJP not to form government with the JMM after Arjun Munda defeated him in the race for CM post.
Das’ act did not surprise many who have been covering BJP and him from the last many years. An errant tongue Das stings his opponents and has created an aura of firebrand around him sans sophistication. It is not the first and last case of verbal spat of Das with the media.
“Two years back in Jamshedpur he threatened a local scribe to chop the fingers pointed at him. As one’s inherent quality and demerit grows with age. It has reached to an alarming point in case of Das,” a senior BJP leader of Jamshedpur said.
“I do not know what is going wrong with this man now a day?” his one time patron Amrendra Pratap Singh expressed surprise, “he was a good and disciplined man.”
After becoming deputy chief minister Das stopped to speak to the media even on telephone and on some occasions invoked earthy adjectives Das faced the protest of the media at party headquarter on Monday evening over his act. Media refused to enter into BJP office to cover official briefing until he seeks unconditional apology.
Raghuwar Das remained unrepentant over patent wrongdoing and refused to accept it a mistake, initially. Half an hour later he admitted half tone, “I am really sorry I regret. But some times media unnecessarily haunt us for comment. Madhukar was doing the same. But I did not do it intentionally.
Das’ close aide and his inexperienced PA had already passed the verdict this afternoon. “This is a drama.”
Central rule set to haunt State again
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Governor MOH Farook on Monday sent an interim report to the Centre stating that no political party or combine seems to be in the position to form Government after the resignation of Chief Minister Shibu Soren.
Specter of President’s Rule in Jharkhand is looming large as sources said that a meeting of the Union Cabinet is likely to be held on Tuesday over Jharkhand for the recommendation.
In New Delhi, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram at a Press conference told the mediapersons that the Centre has received the Governor’s report on Jharkhand crisis.
An official of Governor House said, “Farook has sent the report after he met the leaders of the BJP, Congress and JVM separately in the afternoon. None claimed majority to form Government. He has stated the fact very plainly.”
As the Raj Bhavan became the centre stage, it witnessed frequent visit of different party MLAs and leaders-seeking time, seeking President’s Rule. While a BJP delegation led by State BJP president Raghuwar Das met the Governor twice in the afternoon and requested another appointment on Tuesday to make its stand clear.
Party leaders claimed that they need time to consult MLAs and senior leaders to discuss the probability of the Government formation. Request was turned down, sources in the party said.
“We can be in the position to say anything about the move of the BJP only after we consult central leadership; our MLAs and leaders,” Das said to the media at Governor House.
BJP leaders huddled in a close door meeting at the party headquarter in the evening. Majority of MLAs were in the favour of going with the JMM to form Government. “Though, central BJP leadership is against any further alliance with the JMM we have apprised-off the central leadership the sentiment of the MLAs. We had sought time from the Governor on Tuesday which was turned down,” a senior BJP leader said.
On being asked whether the JMM is a close chapter for the BJP, he echoed the sentiment of the party MLAs. “JMM is still our ally…we should form Government with the JMM… the BJP leadership will be convinced in this regard but it will be time taking process.”
Congress leaders also refused having enough number to form Government in their meeting with the Governor and assured to come back to Raj Bhavan to claim the Government if they garner enough support.
“We have clearly told Governor that we do not have magic number to form the Government. We will approach the Governor only when we are satisfied on the number count,” leader of the Congress legislative body leader Rajindar Singh said. Stating that the party needed to talk to its alliance partner-Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM) - he accepted that it is tough to form a Government without the support of the JMM. But he refused to disclose whether his party has been negotiating with the JMM to form Government.
JVM chief Babulal Marandi after visiting Governor demanded imposition of President’s Rule. “We wish JVM-Congress Government. But we do not want any bargaining and horse trading. Currently no party is in the position to form the Government. We demand President’s Rule,” he said.
Unhappy days are again in the BJP sorely divided over whether to form the Government or not. Around 16 party MLAs supporting the claim of Arjun Munda have opened a battle front against Raghuwar Das terming him instrumental in pressurising central leadership not to form the Government with the JMM.
Party discipline could not deter them to hold a separate meeting at the residence of BJP MLA Gurucharan Nayak on Sunday; dropped missive to the BJP national president Nitin Gadkari to allow BJP-JMM Government
Rajya Sabha polls to clear political haze in State
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Political parties reacted differently over the imposition of the President's rule in Jharkhand. However, the BJP and the JMM leadership gave identical reaction despite having parted their ways in the coalition politics in Jharkhand.
Both the parties have opposed President's rule and refused to blame each other for the same. While the BJP accused the Congress for conspiring against the democracy, the JMM remained silent on this count.
Rajya Sabha elections for two seats scheduled to be held on June 17 will provide some clues of the coming day politics and combination where none of the political party is in the position to win even a single seat. “Though JMM (18 MLAs) is a floating vote it has the tendency to drift anywhere…but its tilt towards a political party — be it Congress or BJP. It will prove crucial to ascertain about 'what next of government formation,” a senior Congress leader said.
“President's rule cannot be an option in democracy. What happened is unfortunate, I had earlier expressed my apprehension that the Congress wants a proxy rule in Jharkhand…our party will keep an eye on the function of the State Government under President rule,” BJP national general secretary Arjun Munda said.
However, party's spokesperson Sanjay Seth found nothing new in this. “It was bound to happen. The Congress succeeded in its design. From the very first day of the formation of Jharkhand; the Congress has been trying to destabilise Governments.” Seth demanded fresh mandate stating that a fresh election was the only solution of a stable Government.
But JMM's stand is slightly different from the BJP. “We are facing President's rule once again. It is unfortunate for Jharkhand. We have already resigned from the Government. But efforts should certainly be made to form a Government. But then it is premature to tell that when will be the next Government formed. There is no option for a popular Government,” JMM general secretary Hemant Soren said.
JMM-BJP maintaining same line of condemnation could be a mere coincidence or it could be an indication of the future course of State politics even as BJP insiders said that the option to form Government along with the JMM has been ruled out totally.
“We still treat the JMM as our friend despite the fact that our relation has soared. Central BJP might not agree to form a coalition Government in the coming days fearing unprecedented criticism from different quarter. But then the leadership would be convinced to relax its stand so far opposing Government formation,” the BJP insider said.
NATION
Grass is green in Jharkhand for all to enter Upper House
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Thursday, June 3, 2010
From Maharaja to business tycoon, Jharkhand has been the green pasture for the political refuge. Outsiders' ability to win elections specially that of Rajya Sabha has inspired many.
The upcoming Rajya Sabha election for two seats in Jharkhand, scheduled for June 17, has come as an open invitation to outsiders, politicians and tycoons: Grass is green here in Jharkhand.
The Maharajadhiraj of Raj Darbhanga, Sri Kameswar Singh, was not a refugee when he won Rajya Sabha election as the candidate of Jharkhand Party of Jaipal Singh in 1952. But he had no connection with the tribals, the party and tribal politics of the region known as Jharkhand was yet to born on the Indian map.
There might not be so many around to give you first-hand narration of Maharaja's pact with hockey wizard Jaipal Singh to enter into the Rajya Sabha after he had lost the general election. Jaipal Singh was persuaded by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to give Maharaja the party symbol.
Gautam Kumar Bera in his book The Unrest axle: ethno-social movement in Eastern India has presented that details: "It was given against the consent of the party workers who resented. Maharaja had no connection with the tribal people and Jharkhand. His (Jaipal) MLAs did not dare to oppose the decision."
Jharkhand ended embargo on the Diku (outsider) in their political life and the same came along with the election of Minu Mashani from the Ranchi Lok Sabha seat.
But those who were closely associated with Raj Darbhanga and Maharaja despite their falling age and memory lapse will tell you that Jaipal Singh was seduced to accept the offer believing that Kameswar Singh with his fabulous wealth and his two leading newspaper --- Indian Nation and Aryavarta --- would prove beneficial for him and his party as well.
Winning Rajya Sabha election even that time was not possible without money. Maharaja had to spend around Rs three lakh to keep the JP fold together, it is said. But he could not succeed in getting the ticket second time. It is another story.
And after the formation of Jharkhand, the State became the free hunting ground of the political aspirations of the tycoon and refugees. The man who startled people of the State the most was Parimal Nathwani, the corporate head of Reliance Industries Limited, during Rajya Sabha election 2008. He entered in the fray as an independent and won it without any pains. At least nine JMM, two RJD and a few of others made him to win.
It is despite JMM chief Shibu Soren had filed Kishorilal as the party candidate. But then, Kishorilal was also an outsider. Media wasted rims of paper to narrate the success story of Nathwani: It is money that matters."
The JMM is not to be blamed alone; the BJP and the Congress in the past have shown hospitality in fielding outsiders in the Rajya Sabha election since there is no constitutional impropriety.
BJP MP SS Ahluwalia, a Sikh born and brought up in Asansol, is married to a Bengali and speaks Bengali fluently but never had any role in Bengal politics. He was accommodated in Jharkhand. Former BJP MP Devdas Apte is not seen after his term ended. Similarly, Congress MP Mabelo Rebello of Goan descent born in Udupi and close to the Goan border with Karnataka, has no connections, even remote, with Jharkhand and its soil. She is an articulate, seasoned and spirited parliamentarian.
They are obviously assets to their respective parties they are god lobbyists, but do not have any mass base to fall back on the poll. There is no dearth of seasoned politicians in the political parties to field them as candidates. Among non-politicians there are academicians and others who could be the best choice. But it seems all political parties are looking for some rich and outsider as candidate in this election too. Only JVM chief Babulal Marandi has said no to it.
Grass is green in Jharkhand for all to enter Upper House
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Thursday, June 3, 2010
From Maharaja to business tycoon, Jharkhand has been the green pasture for the political refuge. Outsiders' ability to win elections specially that of Rajya Sabha has inspired many.
The upcoming Rajya Sabha election for two seats in Jharkhand, scheduled for June 17, has come as an open invitation to outsiders, politicians and tycoons: Grass is green here in Jharkhand.
The Maharajadhiraj of Raj Darbhanga, Sri Kameswar Singh, was not a refugee when he won Rajya Sabha election as the candidate of Jharkhand Party of Jaipal Singh in 1952. But he had no connection with the tribals, the party and tribal politics of the region known as Jharkhand was yet to born on the Indian map.
There might not be so many around to give you first-hand narration of Maharaja's pact with hockey wizard Jaipal Singh to enter into the Rajya Sabha after he had lost the general election. Jaipal Singh was persuaded by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to give Maharaja the party symbol.
Gautam Kumar Bera in his book The Unrest axle: ethno-social movement in Eastern India has presented that details: "It was given against the consent of the party workers who resented. Maharaja had no connection with the tribal people and Jharkhand. His (Jaipal) MLAs did not dare to oppose the decision."
Jharkhand ended embargo on the Diku (outsider) in their political life and the same came along with the election of Minu Mashani from the Ranchi Lok Sabha seat.
But those who were closely associated with Raj Darbhanga and Maharaja despite their falling age and memory lapse will tell you that Jaipal Singh was seduced to accept the offer believing that Kameswar Singh with his fabulous wealth and his two leading newspaper --- Indian Nation and Aryavarta --- would prove beneficial for him and his party as well.
Winning Rajya Sabha election even that time was not possible without money. Maharaja had to spend around Rs three lakh to keep the JP fold together, it is said. But he could not succeed in getting the ticket second time. It is another story.
And after the formation of Jharkhand, the State became the free hunting ground of the political aspirations of the tycoon and refugees. The man who startled people of the State the most was Parimal Nathwani, the corporate head of Reliance Industries Limited, during Rajya Sabha election 2008. He entered in the fray as an independent and won it without any pains. At least nine JMM, two RJD and a few of others made him to win.
It is despite JMM chief Shibu Soren had filed Kishorilal as the party candidate. But then, Kishorilal was also an outsider. Media wasted rims of paper to narrate the success story of Nathwani: It is money that matters."
The JMM is not to be blamed alone; the BJP and the Congress in the past have shown hospitality in fielding outsiders in the Rajya Sabha election since there is no constitutional impropriety.
BJP MP SS Ahluwalia, a Sikh born and brought up in Asansol, is married to a Bengali and speaks Bengali fluently but never had any role in Bengal politics. He was accommodated in Jharkhand. Former BJP MP Devdas Apte is not seen after his term ended. Similarly, Congress MP Mabelo Rebello of Goan descent born in Udupi and close to the Goan border with Karnataka, has no connections, even remote, with Jharkhand and its soil. She is an articulate, seasoned and spirited parliamentarian.
They are obviously assets to their respective parties they are god lobbyists, but do not have any mass base to fall back on the poll. There is no dearth of seasoned politicians in the political parties to field them as candidates. Among non-politicians there are academicians and others who could be the best choice. But it seems all political parties are looking for some rich and outsider as candidate in this election too. Only JVM chief Babulal Marandi has said no to it.
NATION | Friday, June 4, 2010
Soren gifts his lawyer RS seat
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
JMM chief Shibu Soren might not have paid high fee to his eminent lawyers but then he has already gifted them Rajya Sabha tickets.
Earlier, he had offered Rajya Sabha seat to lawyer RK Anand who had bailed him out of Parliament bribery case. In a similar vein, Soren on Thursday projected his lawyer Sanjeev Kumar as JMM candidate for Rajya Sabha election who has been arguing in Kurko murder case of Giridih. Soren made this announcement in Giridih where he stated “lawyer Sanjeev is the choice of the JMM for Rajya Sabha election.”
The announcement helped to develop fissure in the index of JMM-AJSU alliance as AJSU chief Sudesh Kumar Mahato expressed surprise over the announcement of Soren. Sudesh used a close guarded language to comment over what he said: "I think it is an announcement of the proposal. Do not read so much between the lines. Sanjeev might be Soren's choice."
"But, it will have to be decided in the joint meeting of the alliance partners," Sudesh concluded.
Soren gifts his lawyer RS seat
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
JMM chief Shibu Soren might not have paid high fee to his eminent lawyers but then he has already gifted them Rajya Sabha tickets.
Earlier, he had offered Rajya Sabha seat to lawyer RK Anand who had bailed him out of Parliament bribery case. In a similar vein, Soren on Thursday projected his lawyer Sanjeev Kumar as JMM candidate for Rajya Sabha election who has been arguing in Kurko murder case of Giridih. Soren made this announcement in Giridih where he stated “lawyer Sanjeev is the choice of the JMM for Rajya Sabha election.”
The announcement helped to develop fissure in the index of JMM-AJSU alliance as AJSU chief Sudesh Kumar Mahato expressed surprise over the announcement of Soren. Sudesh used a close guarded language to comment over what he said: "I think it is an announcement of the proposal. Do not read so much between the lines. Sanjeev might be Soren's choice."
"But, it will have to be decided in the joint meeting of the alliance partners," Sudesh concluded.
Soren pays back lawyer with RS seat
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Friday, June 4, 2010
JMM chief might not have paid a high fee to his eminent lawyers but then he has already paid them handsomely with Rajya Sabha nomination.
He had offered Rajya Sabha seat to lawyer RK Anand who had bailed him out of Parliament bribery case. In a similar vein, Soren on Thursday projected his lawyer Sanjeev Kumar as JMM candidate for Rajya Sabha election who has been arguing in Kurko murder case of Giridih. Soren made this announcement in Giridih where he stated "lawyer Sanjeev is the choice of the JMM for Rajya Sabha election."
The announcement helped to develop fissure in the index of JMM-AJSU alliance as AJSU chief Sudesh Kumar Mahato expressed surprise over the announcement of Soren. Sudesh used a close guarded language to comment over what he said: "I think it is an announcement of the proposal. Do not read so much between the lines. Sanjeev might be Soren's choice."
"But, it will have to be decided in the joint meeting of the alliance partners," Sudesh concluded.
Independent MLA Chamra Linda who continues to side with Soren the day Soren's Government landed in trouble is also the part of the political confederacy which has so far decided to maintain unity for the Rajya Sabha polls for the two seats scheduled to be held on June 17.
"I am not aware of this. No such proposal of the name of the lawyer has come from the side of the JMM," Linda said. Resentments are brewing in the JMM fold. "We have no problem with the person proposed as JMM candidate but the thing is that Soren has the tendency to make announcement without discussing it at the party forum," a senior JMM leader said.
But the lawyer is merely happy at the prospect of being nominated as JMM candidate and claimed that even in the past he was offered Rajya Sabha seat by Soren himself.
"On many occasions in the past Soren hinted me his intention to field me in Rajya Sabha election. I politely turn down the proposal as I wanted to concentrate on my career as a lawyer in the Supreme Court," Sanjeev Kumar said to The Pioneer.
Sanjeev who had argued the Sashinath Jha murder case involving Soren at Delhi High Court worked under eminent apex court lawyer Ram Jethmalani. Sanjeev joined the apex court in 1986. He has also argued in the behalf of Soren in Jamtara case.
Claiming his association with Soren during his childhood days; the lawyer reserves high regard for him. "I belong to the place Maniyadih in district Giridih where Soren had started his movement for a separate Jharkhand and against the money launders. It was Soren who brought me to New Delhi for further study in law from the hard-to-reach area like Maniyadih."
The lawyer completed his schooling in Rajgang High School in Dhanbad and shifted back to Giridih to complete his intermediate. A student of Ranchi College where he studied Physics (Hons.) Sanjeev shifted to Delhi University to pursue study in the law faculty.
After nominating Sanjeev as JMM candidate Soren spent some times with his old friends including Vansi Ram, Vansi Sen, Narad Sen and Kaushwa Tudu at his old abode at village Balwa.
RANCHI
Cong nomination for RS stings JVM
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Central leadership of the Congress on Friday announced the name of Dhiraj Sahu as party candidate for Rajya Sabha election, leaving its alliance partner Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM) fumed.
"Sahu's name has been finalised for the RS election. Talks are going on to persuade the JVM to accept the Congress candidate," a senior Congress MLA said.
Claiming that State Congress incharge K Keshav Rao has been in touch with JVM chief Babulal Marandi, he said that a final picture will emerge within a few days.
The JVM reacted sharply over the decision and decided to hold a special meeting on Saturday to announce its stand. "At this point of time I can say only that it is the decision of the Congress that came without consulting us. We had requested the Congress leadership to leave Rajya Sabha seat for the JVM," party general secretary Praveen Singh said.
The JVM argued that the Congress should leave some home space for regional party like JVM reminding that during the Assembly election the JVM had conceded more than enough seats for the Congress.
"You need to reciprocate with same gesture as we deed during election. The Congress can field and manage to win Rajya Sabha seats from any part of the country which we cannot," senior JVM leader Pradeep Yadav said. Two JVM stalwarts Saba Ahmed and Praveen Singh are the strong contenders for the Rajya Sabha seat.
Meanwhile, JMM chief Shibu Soren on Friday retracted from his statement given on last day where he announced the name of his lawyer Sanjeev Kumar as the JMM candidate for Rajya Sabha.
"His candidature is not final," Soren said to the media in Bokaro. Soren moved to New Delhi this afternoon leaving bad taste for the lawyer. Sources admitted that Soren went to New Delhi to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi under the impression that his well-wishers have actually fixed an appointment with Gandhi to discuss the politics of the State. Though, the fact is far from reality.
Soren's sudden announcement was resented by his own party leaders and the alliance partner Sudesh Mahato of the AJSU, who contested that the final announcement could be made only during the joint meeting of the alliance partners. After the fall of the Soren Government, Sudesh continued to stand with the JMM and formed an alliance for Rajya Sabha elections. At least two independent MLAs --- Chamra Linda and Bidesh Singh are the part of this alliance.
Even the division and difference among the alliance partners over the choice of the candidate are worst. Dhanbad-based Pradeep Sonthaliya is the choice of some MLAs. Sunil Mishra of Godda has the blessing of JMM general secretary Hemant soren. Another Sahid Khan of Jamshedpur is being backed by JMM MLA and former Minister in the Soren Government Hazi Hussain Ansari and a few other party MLAs of Kolhan region. All of them are stated to have sound financial background that is probably an unstated requisite to win Rajya Sabha election as far as Jharkhand is concerned.
In a peculiar number game in the Assembly none of the political party or alliance is in the position to win even a single seat. But then, they are not far away in number to win the seat provided they scratch each others' back and do not stray till the date of election: June 17.
The Congress (14) and JVM (11) together need three more votes to win. So is the case with the JMM (18), AJSU (5) that needs another five votes to win. The alliance has the support of two independent MLAs. Independents will prove crucial in tapping the balance.
BJP Parliamentary Board remained undecided over the selection of candidate despite a meeting in this regard was called in New Delhi. Party sources said that BJP national president Nitin Gadkari has been authorised to take a decision. Sources admitted that the meeting did not discus the name of any candidate.
BJP (18MLAs) is far behind in number game with the support of another two MLAs of the JD(U). It still needs another eight votes to win. The party is probably looking for a heavyweight who could be able to muster support. "We are scratching our head," a senior BJP leader said on being about the party candidate.
Cong nomination for RS stings JVM
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Central leadership of the Congress on Friday announced the name of Dhiraj Sahu as party candidate for Rajya Sabha election, leaving its alliance partner Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM) fumed.
"Sahu's name has been finalised for the RS election. Talks are going on to persuade the JVM to accept the Congress candidate," a senior Congress MLA said.
Claiming that State Congress incharge K Keshav Rao has been in touch with JVM chief Babulal Marandi, he said that a final picture will emerge within a few days.
The JVM reacted sharply over the decision and decided to hold a special meeting on Saturday to announce its stand. "At this point of time I can say only that it is the decision of the Congress that came without consulting us. We had requested the Congress leadership to leave Rajya Sabha seat for the JVM," party general secretary Praveen Singh said.
The JVM argued that the Congress should leave some home space for regional party like JVM reminding that during the Assembly election the JVM had conceded more than enough seats for the Congress.
"You need to reciprocate with same gesture as we deed during election. The Congress can field and manage to win Rajya Sabha seats from any part of the country which we cannot," senior JVM leader Pradeep Yadav said. Two JVM stalwarts Saba Ahmed and Praveen Singh are the strong contenders for the Rajya Sabha seat.
Meanwhile, JMM chief Shibu Soren on Friday retracted from his statement given on last day where he announced the name of his lawyer Sanjeev Kumar as the JMM candidate for Rajya Sabha.
"His candidature is not final," Soren said to the media in Bokaro. Soren moved to New Delhi this afternoon leaving bad taste for the lawyer. Sources admitted that Soren went to New Delhi to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi under the impression that his well-wishers have actually fixed an appointment with Gandhi to discuss the politics of the State. Though, the fact is far from reality.
Soren's sudden announcement was resented by his own party leaders and the alliance partner Sudesh Mahato of the AJSU, who contested that the final announcement could be made only during the joint meeting of the alliance partners. After the fall of the Soren Government, Sudesh continued to stand with the JMM and formed an alliance for Rajya Sabha elections. At least two independent MLAs --- Chamra Linda and Bidesh Singh are the part of this alliance.
Even the division and difference among the alliance partners over the choice of the candidate are worst. Dhanbad-based Pradeep Sonthaliya is the choice of some MLAs. Sunil Mishra of Godda has the blessing of JMM general secretary Hemant soren. Another Sahid Khan of Jamshedpur is being backed by JMM MLA and former Minister in the Soren Government Hazi Hussain Ansari and a few other party MLAs of Kolhan region. All of them are stated to have sound financial background that is probably an unstated requisite to win Rajya Sabha election as far as Jharkhand is concerned.
In a peculiar number game in the Assembly none of the political party or alliance is in the position to win even a single seat. But then, they are not far away in number to win the seat provided they scratch each others' back and do not stray till the date of election: June 17.
The Congress (14) and JVM (11) together need three more votes to win. So is the case with the JMM (18), AJSU (5) that needs another five votes to win. The alliance has the support of two independent MLAs. Independents will prove crucial in tapping the balance.
BJP Parliamentary Board remained undecided over the selection of candidate despite a meeting in this regard was called in New Delhi. Party sources said that BJP national president Nitin Gadkari has been authorised to take a decision. Sources admitted that the meeting did not discus the name of any candidate.
BJP (18MLAs) is far behind in number game with the support of another two MLAs of the JD(U). It still needs another eight votes to win. The party is probably looking for a heavyweight who could be able to muster support. "We are scratching our head," a senior BJP leader said on being about the party candidate.
Alchemist files nomination as RS candidate for JMM
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi Sunday, June 6, 2010
He is an alchemist who has developed passion for politics. Kanwar Deep Singh landed in Ranchi on Saturday as an air-dropped candidate of the JMM to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha election.
Interestingly, he never figured in the list of the possible candidates of the JMM-AJSU combine till a few days back. Including Mathura Mahato, Hazi Hussain Ansari, Hemlal Murmu another five JMM MLAs seconded his candidature besides two independents-Videsh Singh and Chamra Linda.
Soon after his arrival the JMM held a meeting at the residence of Mathura Mahato to forge a consensus over the name of Singh. A peeved AJSU chief Sudesh Kumar Mahato left the meeting in the middle. “I wanted that local people should be projected as the candidate of the alliance,” he told the media.
“I am not an outsider. I have been associated with Jharkhand for the past seven years,” Singh offered the explanation without any asking. He was addressing a Press conference at the residence of JMM chief Shibu Soren on Saturday evening.
Singh who runs a chain of hospitals in New Delhi and Chandigarh named as Alchemist Hospital Group claims high about his connection with Jharkhand and its people. “I have been running an aviation training institute in Jamshedpur and have trained around 200 people so far,” he said but then conceded having no prior apprenticeship in politics.
He said he had got the inspiration from Shibu Soren, Hemant Soren and Sudesh to join politics. Hemant who was sitting by his side reciprocated in the same gesture and said it was Singh who inspired Soren to open an aviation training institute in Sonasugandh in Dumka. Both showered compliments on each other.
The rookie then showed his political colours. “Sudeshji se meri baat hui hai wo mere saath hai…agar Baba (Shibu Soren) mujhe sansad me Jharkhand ki awaaz banana chahte hai to kya galat hai, (I had a talk with Sudeshji.
He is with me. What’s wrong if Baba wants me to make the voice of Jharkhand in Parliament.)?”
Stating that he had some plans to do some good for Jharkhand in the health sector, he claimed that this was one of his reasons behind joining politics through the Rajya Sabha election. “You can imagine what I can do for Jharkhand…a lot of works are to be done,” Singh rather tried to suggest that he could be a valuable edition for Jharkhand where health care service was not present even in token.
Tragic comedy was at its best display in the Congress-Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM) following the decision of the Congress to field Dhiraj Sahu as the party candidate for the Rajya Sabha.
State Congress president Pradeep Balmuchu applied balm over the hurt sentiment of the JVM at a Press conference pledging the unity of the alliance. Balmuchu refuted the fact that his party had announced the candidate without consulting the JVM which wanted to field its candidate. “We were in regular with JVM chief Babulal Marandi during these days before announcing Sahu’s candidature. But we regret for not consulting the JVM before making a final announcement. We hope that they will understand,” Balmuchu said at a Press conference at the party headquarters.
Marandi held a marathon meeting on Saturday to decide the further course of strategy following the decision of the party. “We understand that people have a lot of expectation from the Congress-JVM alliance. We do not want to break it for petty reasons. But then the Congress did not consult us before announcing the name of Sahu. We have decided to field a JVM candidate in Rajya Sabha election…we are ready for a friendly contest,” JVM general secretary Praveen Singh said soon after the meeting.
The JVM has demanded that the Congress explain how it had announced its candidate without consulting them. The JVM has left enough space for the crisis to defuse. But it depends on the ability of the Congress leadership to convince the JVM the circumstances under which it announced the name of Sahu.
“If they can convince us with genuine and sound logic we might think about changing our stand,” Praveen Singh said. The party has authorised Marandi to take a final decision.
Meanwhile BJP sources said that they were ready to support an independent candidate if they felt that such a candidate had a chance of winning.
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi Sunday, June 6, 2010
He is an alchemist who has developed passion for politics. Kanwar Deep Singh landed in Ranchi on Saturday as an air-dropped candidate of the JMM to file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha election.
Interestingly, he never figured in the list of the possible candidates of the JMM-AJSU combine till a few days back. Including Mathura Mahato, Hazi Hussain Ansari, Hemlal Murmu another five JMM MLAs seconded his candidature besides two independents-Videsh Singh and Chamra Linda.
Soon after his arrival the JMM held a meeting at the residence of Mathura Mahato to forge a consensus over the name of Singh. A peeved AJSU chief Sudesh Kumar Mahato left the meeting in the middle. “I wanted that local people should be projected as the candidate of the alliance,” he told the media.
“I am not an outsider. I have been associated with Jharkhand for the past seven years,” Singh offered the explanation without any asking. He was addressing a Press conference at the residence of JMM chief Shibu Soren on Saturday evening.
Singh who runs a chain of hospitals in New Delhi and Chandigarh named as Alchemist Hospital Group claims high about his connection with Jharkhand and its people. “I have been running an aviation training institute in Jamshedpur and have trained around 200 people so far,” he said but then conceded having no prior apprenticeship in politics.
He said he had got the inspiration from Shibu Soren, Hemant Soren and Sudesh to join politics. Hemant who was sitting by his side reciprocated in the same gesture and said it was Singh who inspired Soren to open an aviation training institute in Sonasugandh in Dumka. Both showered compliments on each other.
The rookie then showed his political colours. “Sudeshji se meri baat hui hai wo mere saath hai…agar Baba (Shibu Soren) mujhe sansad me Jharkhand ki awaaz banana chahte hai to kya galat hai, (I had a talk with Sudeshji.
He is with me. What’s wrong if Baba wants me to make the voice of Jharkhand in Parliament.)?”
Stating that he had some plans to do some good for Jharkhand in the health sector, he claimed that this was one of his reasons behind joining politics through the Rajya Sabha election. “You can imagine what I can do for Jharkhand…a lot of works are to be done,” Singh rather tried to suggest that he could be a valuable edition for Jharkhand where health care service was not present even in token.
Tragic comedy was at its best display in the Congress-Jharkhand Vikash Morcha (JVM) following the decision of the Congress to field Dhiraj Sahu as the party candidate for the Rajya Sabha.
State Congress president Pradeep Balmuchu applied balm over the hurt sentiment of the JVM at a Press conference pledging the unity of the alliance. Balmuchu refuted the fact that his party had announced the candidate without consulting the JVM which wanted to field its candidate. “We were in regular with JVM chief Babulal Marandi during these days before announcing Sahu’s candidature. But we regret for not consulting the JVM before making a final announcement. We hope that they will understand,” Balmuchu said at a Press conference at the party headquarters.
Marandi held a marathon meeting on Saturday to decide the further course of strategy following the decision of the party. “We understand that people have a lot of expectation from the Congress-JVM alliance. We do not want to break it for petty reasons. But then the Congress did not consult us before announcing the name of Sahu. We have decided to field a JVM candidate in Rajya Sabha election…we are ready for a friendly contest,” JVM general secretary Praveen Singh said soon after the meeting.
The JVM has demanded that the Congress explain how it had announced its candidate without consulting them. The JVM has left enough space for the crisis to defuse. But it depends on the ability of the Congress leadership to convince the JVM the circumstances under which it announced the name of Sahu.
“If they can convince us with genuine and sound logic we might think about changing our stand,” Praveen Singh said. The party has authorised Marandi to take a final decision.
Meanwhile BJP sources said that they were ready to support an independent candidate if they felt that such a candidate had a chance of winning.
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