Fears of stars and omens goad politicians

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI 

“Something is rotten in the State of Jharkhand,” Shakespeare would have said had he been born in Jharkhand. Sadly, there is no Shakespeare here to write dramas on a State that produced many tragedies, satires and even crude political comedies; enough to qualify the state for basket case distinction.

The Shakespearean tragedy has remarkable parallel here, as politicians of Jharkhand fear omens and stars quite like Marcellus and Horatio; the two character of drama Hamlet.

They secretly consult pundits and astrologers before taking political decisions which their fingers stuffed with precious stones partially admit. But their fear for stars and inauspicious time is quite glaring on the Hindu Lunar Calendar that they admit quite publicly. Till inauspicious time passes-off let the government and people suffer: no cabinet expansion, no major decision.

So recently coalition government’s partners, JMM and the BJP; have plunged the state in deep uncertainty as each have dared other to withdraw from coalition government. Senior JMM leader Shashank Shekhar Bhokta publicly admitted his party of secular credential will avoid taking a decision during December 15 to January 15 — the period known as Kharmas.

“Whether we stay with the BJP or not the decision will be taken only after Kharmas…because this period is not auspicious for taking any such a decision. You know it may bring disaster,” Bhokta said. The JMM may use the time to negotiate with the Congress and bully the BJP. But Bhokta admitted his party chief Shibu Soren has this thing in his mind.

The BJP after initial verbal match with the JMM has softened its stand to avoid further damage. Best blame stars and inauspicious Kharmas for conflict. “Such things are happening due to Kharmas. Let the Sun go northward the dispute will end,” Goswami sounded innocently. Nevertheless, inquisitive BJP leader and Chief Minister Arjun Munda had consulted three top astrologers to select moment to take oath in September 2010. But even arrangements and alignments of stars and constellations can’t guarantee political stability in Jharkhand where politics suffers from unpredictable predicament.

If stars and omens indeed make and mar the fate of these earthly Gods JMM chief Shibu Soren might not have forgotten his second stint as CM in 2008 that met with a tearful termination after he lost Tamar assembly by-election as CM in the first week of January 2009.

Soren is after all a secular man not known for chasing stars. But when Opposition mounted assault for his resignation he had privately wished he should be allowed to continue as CM as namesake till Kharmas was over.

Soren probably believed he will tide the time and situation once the bad phase was over. “Soren that time wanted the Congress to re-prop him as CM for another six months which was constitutionally wrong.  Kharmas and other inauspicious periods are actually an alibi. It is very funny that cabinet expansions are withheld due to such reasons. Jharkhand has set an example of superstition,” Congress leader Radha Krishna Kishore said.  

Politicians of state have long been indulged into a debate questioning the timing of very foundation of Jharkhand on midnight of November 15, 2000 when first Governor of the State Prabhat Kumar was sworn in three minutes past that midnight followed by the first Chief Minister Babulal Marandi. Many years later Marandi admitted Jharkhand took birth on wrong time. A senior BJP leader had admitted that two astrologers from Ranchi and Uttar Pradesh had warned against the very timing of oath taking. But Marandi did not want to wait till morning as he feared central bosses could change their mind in favour of Kariya Munda.

Four hundred years back Shakespeare tempted to say something is rotting in state of Denmark; in Jharkhand it is stinking.

JMM’s 3 D approach on FDI

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

JMM’s political stand over Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and voting pattern in the Parliament; is basically a three dimensional story that can confuse even seasonal dabblers in politics.

The JMM having three MPs in the parliament — two in the Lower and one in Upper House —drifted in three different directions when the UPA government was stitching numbers for smooth passage of the FDI Bill against Opposition’s many a roadblocks.

The JMM chief and Dumka MP, Shibu Soren, preferred to stay in Ranchi on the day of voting. Party’s Palamu MP Kameswar Baitha supported FDI saying he voted as per party instruction. But the lone party MP in Rajya Sabha, Sanjeev Kumar, walked-out during voting that led many in the party to clamour the man must be served with show cause notice for going against the party line.

And the party line remained as confusing as the JMM happens to be. Sanjeev who is long time associate of Soren and his family lawyer as well, promptly clarified the party did not issue any whip or a written directive to support UPA on FDI Bill during voting. Though, the hawks in the JMM soon withdrew their daggers once realizing the lawyer is technically correct if not politically. But they insist a through debate on the party forum since the party patriarch had cleared his stand some two months back. 

“It happened due to communication gap. Guruji (Soren) had made the stand very clear the JMM will not align with NDA and other Opposition. Our MPs were required to support FDI Bill. When a high level meeting will be called in coming days we will definitely seek an explanation. But no show cause notice against him,” party’s central secretary Vinod Pandey explained.

Nevertheless, these odd three votes could not make much difference in the number game of the UPA but Soren’s loyalists feel the Congress may interpret it JMM sailing in two boats: UPA and NDA as well. Technically, the JMM claims to be in the UPA fold. “We are running coalition government with BJP in Jharkhand but we are not with NDA. But I am not sure as how FDI voting move is going to be interpreted,” a senior party leader said. 

The leader elaborately explained that even absence and walk-out during voting is a kind of latent or indirect kind of support which the Congress bosses should appreciate.

At this moment ‘communication gap’ has been offered as probable reason behind ‘walk out’ but no idea so far that probably guided Soren to stay at home instead joining UPA’s solidarity show during voting. “He was set to attend parliamentary session but had to defer it due to some reasons,” Pandey said.

But then the JMM is known for taking surprised political decisions believed to be influenced by intriguing political and personal circumstances. In 2010 Soren was Chief Minister of BJP supported coalition government when he had voted against BJP sponsored ‘Cut Motion’ against Central UPA government. An exasperated BJP withdrew support causing his unceremonious exit from the power seat. That time Soren had dispatched passionate letter to BJP bosses and lamented it a lapse on his part saying he did it out of mistake. And within a quick succession Soren made a volte face and fired ammo on BJP and said that voting UPA was his conscious decision. This one man show party has always remained a puzzle for BJP and Congress which is its USP, too.

Mandu by-election today!

Vijay Deo Jha/Pranav Pratyush

Ranchi

State Government and Hazaribagh district administration are all set to hold a peaceful by-election of the Mandu assembly constituency on Wednesday. To counter any security threats enough security arrangements have been made including deployment of 32 companies of Central Para Military Forces (CPMF).

Informing about the security preparation Hazaribagh SP Pankaj Kamboj said that four times the number of companies of different wings of the State police forces will be deployed during the election.

“We have decided to deploy a minimum of 20 static forces against each booth. Special security measures and deployment will be made in the naxal affected areas like Vishugarh and Churchu,” he said. Heavy deployment of the forces has been made in the area around the Jhumra Hill affected by the Maoist.

Sources in the government said that the around 70 per cent booths in Vishugarh have been declared as highly sensitive while 100 per cent booths under Churchu have been declared highly sensitive.

Polling will be held at 400 booths out of which 152 have been declared highly sensitive.  A total of 298460 voters will take part in the polling out of which 1,35,940 are women. 

The Election Commission of India has deployed 95 micro observers whereas 400 control units of the EVM will be used during the polling. To conduct polling 4500 officials and employees of the government have been deployed.

The emerging poll scenario, according to sources, indicates that JMM candidate Jai Prakash Bhai Patel and JVM (P) candidate Manish Jaisawal are the major contenders in the fray. Nevertheless, all political parties including Congress and JD (U) and CPI (ML) have left no stone unturned to woo the voters of the constituency.

The Mandu Assembly seat became vacant after death of senior JMM leader Teklal Mahto in September this year.

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Chidambaram pats State police for successful operations

Strap: Raises concern over casualty

VIJAY DEO JHA / MANOHAR LAL

Ranchi 

Terming some of the major anti-naxal operations conducted in Jharkhand between June and October as successful Union Home Minister P Chidambaram expressed his concern over “unacceptably high rate of casualty of security forces and civilians which needed to be reduced.”

“Greater steps needed to be taken in Jharkhand and the Centre will extend all logistic support to the State. Jharkhand should act with more vigour and planning to meet the challenges,” Chidambaram told the media after holding a high level review meeting with Chief Minister Arjun Munda and senior officials of the state government on Wednesday.

Sources said that Chidambaram matched the report of number of casualties in Jharkhand in the said five months -- total 26 the report he had carried with him. Chidambaram pulled the State officials for not starting recruitment drive of the vacant posts of police constables and sought and directed to set a deadline to complete it. Chidambaram also expressed concern over the failure of the State police to stop Maoists from running Jan Adalat, kangaroo courts, which he said, had been on rise in Jharkhand.   

Chidambaram said that 130 police stations in Jharkhand are badly affected by red rebels. “Around 13,000 security forces of 14 battalions of the CRPF and two CoBRA battalion are engaged in anti-naxal operation and equal number of regular state police forces,” he said.

He informed that the Centre has provided Rs 55 crore to each of 14 naxal hit districts under Integrated Action Plan for the development purposes. So far, the performance and the development of these districts under IAP in terms of physical achievement and financial achievement is 50 and 55 percent respectively. “It should have been 70 per cent at the end of the month of November. I hope the state will be able to use hundred percent funds by March, next year,” he said.

“I have reviewed strategic details of the operation and also ongoing development works. Jharkhand is a naxal hit State and the Centre will extend all support to the government,” he added.

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Arjun Munda said that several issues related with naxal problem and development works were discussed in the meeting. Though, he refused to divulge whether the state government placed any specific demand and support before the Home Minister. 

Soren asks farmers to plough leaves deep furrow

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI 

JMM chief Shibu Soren asked villagers to plough their field during meeting of the agitators at Nagri leaving a deep furrow on the forehead of many in the government. Soren, on Sunday, was addressing a meeting of agitators who are opposed to establishment of IIM, IIIT and Law University on 227 acres of land at Nagri. 

Soren made best use of podium moment to assure his core constituents that he would oppose any decision of the government if it is subversive to the interest of tribal and farmers.

“Go and plough your field. I have always spoken against the government even I happen to be the part of the government. Land belongs to farmers. Government can’t take their land away. Government taking their land is unjust.” Soren said this to a gathering.

Soren spoke around 10 minutes; but did not talk much about the issue except extending support to their cause. But he made loud and clear to his BJP counterpart in the coalition government that either he or his party can’t risk becoming the party of such decision. 

A week back, a delegation of agitators had visited Soren and sought his support for farmers from the public forum. Soren agreed to attend their meeting which was scheduled on Sunday. Despite of heavy rain thousands came to attend public hearing.

“He has supported us. We hope he will pressurize the government to withdraw decision to establish institutions here. Our land will be returned” Soren had barely left the dais when the announcement was made.

But sources in the government have their own sets of concern that Soren only helped to turn more conflicting. “Five men committee has already been formed which is exploring ways to short out this issue. Let the negotiation to take place first. Addressing a public gathering and making such statement so loud and clear will create further deadlock…after all he happens to be the chairman of State Coordination Committee. What he utters will be considered the policy of the government,” top sources in the government said.

Five men committee headed by JMM leader and Land Revenue Minister Mathura Mahto is likely to convene meeting with villagers and their representatives on Monday.

“We have called them for a meeting. We will listen to their points and their demand. Farmers should be given justice,” Mahto told The Pioneer over telephone. 

“What Soren announced can’t be said as reflection of the mind of the government. But the way JMM leaders in the government are speaking it seems that they putting blame on to the BJP for the crisis. Any public statement of this kind reflects poorly upon the government,” a BJP minister of coalition government headed by Chief Minister Arjun Munda said.

Minister argued that the government will take all aspects — humane and legal before taking any decision. “But this is not the way. You (Soren) are grilling your government where you are a partner,” minister said.

But the JMM insisted that Soren being a mass leader can’t be confined to the nitty gritty of the governance. “Unka dil janta me basta hai sarkar me nahi wah janta kee baat karte hain (his heart lies in the people not in the government, he talks about the people,)” JMM MLA Shashank Sekhar Bhokta said.   

After controversy flared into flame the BJP too appears jittery about venturing out too far alone. The BJP has already faced political consequences during anti-encroachment drive last year when the JMM had shrugged off from taking responsibility of the drive. It cost the BJP in Jamshedpur parliamentary election and elsewhere.

Maoists adding ammo worries security bosses about anti landmine vehicle

VIJAY DEO JHA / Mukesh Ranjan

Ranchi

The way (CPI Maoist) rebels have been tossing and mangling powerful steel boded anti-landmine vehicles by adding ammo and quantity in triggering powerful landmine blasts have shocked bosses of Jharkhand police. Former chief of Jharkhand police BD Ram too raised similar doubt over the efficiency of these vehicles.

Worried over the media report questioning utility of these vehicles in the wake of Saturday blast in Garhwa killing 13 policemen by blowing landmine vehicle top police source admitted a time has indeed some to find dome way. “It is bogus to say that these vehicles are not able to withstand the pressure of landmine explosion and becoming death chamber for the security forces. But after Maoists have changed strategy and now planting landmine of 30 to 40 kg of weight these vehicles have indeed become vulnerable if not outdated,” a top police official said.

The state police have around 80 such vehicles pressed in anti-naxal operation across Jharkhand that on average can withstand landmine blast capacity of 10-15 kg. In the past one decade around five such have been destroyed in the landmine blast.

Explaining the pattern and the way Maoists have gone beyond planting landmines of around 10 to 15 kg a serious review over getting a new fleet of vehicles and replacing old fleet is indeed required. But the Police and the Home Department find it a tough poser.

“We have recently ordered four vehicles that can withstand blasts of 30-35 kg. But what if the Maoists start planting 40 and 50 kg of landmine? We can get vehicles of enhanced capacity that naturally will be of jumbo size. But can we move with these jumbo size vehicles in interior during operation” official said while reeking concern.

The question does not worry Jharkhand alone. Neighboring state Chhattisgarh is too worried over rising number of such vehicles failing to withstand landmine blast. Like Jharkhand, the pockets of Chhattisgarh are too littered with landmines. While the Chhattisgarh government recently took help of military and international experts in removing these landmines the move offers few clues to Jharkhand police the way to tackle it.

“We regularly hold detection and sanitation drive to remove landmines from the roads falling in the areas where Maoists are operating. This is a war like situation and such incidents are built in the framework of such operations. But then we need to be cautious must and work on some intuitional memory and take extra precautions while moving in a naxal- prone area,” IG and Jharkhand Police spokesperson RK Mallick said.

What worries top cops the most is that while moving in anti landmine vehicles police forces often ignore security warning and feeling safe while Maoists lurk to trap them. 

DIRTY GAME (An investigative report by The Pioneer over horse trading in RS election in Jharkhand)

Kings and pawns under IT scanner

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

Top sources in the Income Tax department claimed having gathered sufficient clues about a woman legislator of ruling coalition who believed to have received Rs two crore from an independent candidate of RS election outside Jharkhand as a price to cast her vote.

“We can’t reveal mush about the payment as it will affect the case but one of her relatives received said amount,” top sources in the Income Tax department told the Pioneer over telephone.

The case is likely to be transferred to the CBI by Tuesday, after the Jharkhand High Court directed Election Commission of India to handover the case to horse trading to the CBI. IT sources said that a former MP from Jharkhand who was involved in mustering MLAs support for an independent candidate is likely to be quizzed.

“He was chief architect of the election strategy of an independent candidate who used his political and personal connections to get support of some of the independent MLAs and others. We strongly suspect amounts were paid to MLAs and can’t feign ignorance,” sources said.

Investigating the matter Income Tax suspect involvement of a city based hotelier who had arranged five rooms at his hotel to one independent candidate Pawan Kumar Dhoot during RS election. A search operation was carried in the hotel on Thursday night—a day before RS polling by the Income Tax. “We did not find anything to suggest wheeling and dealing. “But the suspecting thing was that the hotel had not maintained proper register of its occupants and check-in period. They need to explain us,” an IT official who was the part of the search team said. During the grilling hotel authorities accepted that one Ram Bangar who was working actively for Dhoot had booked these rooms.  

Interestingly, suspended BJP MLA Ramchandra Baitha who is believed to have voted for Dhoot made a secret visit to Income Tax department a few days back. “We can’t doubt anybody just because one has voted for those who are under scanner. But Baitha said us that a former MP had contacted him for vote in the favour of a certain candidate,” an insider said.

Baitha accepted having met some top IT official but he refused to divulge the detail. 

While scores of MLAs cutting across the party line have been under constant watch of the Income Tax and investigative agencies; IT Department has prepared the list of persons who are alleged to be either a liaison or acted as a courier to pay money to some of the MLAs. The IT Department has got vital lead about a person known as Pappu belonging to Barhet who was managing votes of MLAs from Santhal Pargana.

“We request common people and whistleblowers to help us to provide information about the horse trading during RS poll,” Income Tax Commissioner Ajit Kumar Srivastava said.

BJP opposes President’s Rule, demands fresh election

Vijay Deo Jha

Ranchi   

The BJP threatened to pitch protest against Union Cabinet’s decision for imposition of President’s Rule in Jharkhand terming it an attempt of the Congress to rule the state by proxy. “We have been demanding dissolution of assembly for a fresh election. People should be given chance to elect a government. The Congress has long been instrumental behind political instability in Jharkhand to run the government from proxy. The BJP will start statewide agitation,” caretaker Chief Minister Arjun Munda said.

The BJP ran into angry protest near Raj Bhavan on Thursday. It called President’s Rule undemocratic and the Governor as political agent of the Congress and the Centre. Meanwhile, Munda has flown to Delhi to apprise party seniors of fast rolling political situation in Jharkhand after the JMM withdrew support from the coalition government.

The BJP has drafted plans for serial demonstration right from the state capital to district headquarters. “We will launch Halla Bol programme to expose the Congress. The Congress has always been looking out for opportunity to destabilize elected government in Jharkhand and elsewhere. Agitation will be more vigorous in the coming days till assembly is dissolved,” state BJP leader Anant Ojha said.

Ironically, President’s Rule was even not welcomed by the JMM and its party leader, Hemant Soren, who had withdrawn support from BJP led coalition government to fulfill his Chief ministerial ambition with Congress’ support. The Congress has not assured JMM anything over government formation.

“President’s Rule can’t be the option of a popular government. Possibility of government formation was not explored properly. But we will surely try our best to explore options. It is responsibility of every MLA to come together to form government. We are not responsible for this situation. There are other people who are responsible for it,” Soren said.

PMO responds to the Pioneer report

 Strap: Grants Rs one Lakh to poor man for treatment of his son

 VIJAY DEO JHA

Establishment finally took notice of the pain of poor Surendra Ram (40) last week, the man who sold all his belongings to save his son Anuj Kumar (12), currently under treatment at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) took notice of report published in the Pioneer on December 19 last year, ‘Ram needs to be God to save his son!’ The PMO directed financial assistance to Ram whose son is suffering from complete paralysis from the last two years due to corporal punishment by his teacher.

 

An official of the PMO said that Ram was given a cheque of Rs one lakh from Prime Minister Relief Fund on January 3.  “PMO has taken note of the pain of the man after the news surfaced in the Pioneer. More payments could be made. The hospital authority has been asked to take proper medical care of child,” the official said.

 

Confirming this, Ram expressed his gratitude for raising his plight. “I am thankful to all of you and all those who helped me out; otherwise, who listen to poor people,” Ram said.

After the Pioneer report a team of central officials visited Ram and collected all the details. From the last two years Ram has been staying on hospital’s premise along with his wife Neelam. Hailing from Purnadeeh (Palamau), in Jharkhand this marginalised farmer has sold his entire property — two acres of land and pair of oxen — and even borrowed Rs 80,000 from local moneylenders for the treatment of his son.

The couple has been forced to the disgraceful act of begging outside Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, where Anuj has been admitted in ward 34. Doctors say Anuj’s motor neurons, controlling movements of his limbs, have been damaged beyond repair. This can be partially improved only by highly specialised surgery and treatment which is very costly. Anuj has undergone two major surgeries and doctors expect a couple of others.

Having no means of income Ram had begged before all the high and mighty of Jharkhand government and politics. He had submitted petitions to the then Chief Minister, the Governor, Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha Kariya Munda, Chatra MP Inder Singh Namdhari, former HRD Minister Vaidyanath Ram etc, on different occasions. Among politicians and government only Subodh Kant Sahay (the then Union Minister) helped him out while rest offered assurance.

The district administration has provided him with a BPL card that holds no meaning because it merely certifies his poverty but offers no support or solution.

Ram twice met the CM in Delhi with a request for son — first when Munda was visiting an ailing relative, Gautam, admitted at Safdarjung in 2011 and next, when he was in Delhi to demand special status tag and package for Jharkhand. Ram had not sought a package; he had just prayed for a small favour.

For PMO it took two days to act and it took a year for CMO to respond Ram’s petition is pending.

Sangama, Mukherjee to visit Jharkhand to garner support

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

Two front runners of presidential election; the NDA nominee Purno Agitok Sangma and Congress’ pick Pranab Mukherjee have scheduled their Ranchi visit on Wednesday and Thursday respectively to garner electoral support to secure passage to the Raisina Hills.

Their respective party and allies have already explained reasons as to why political parties in Jharkhand should support them.

Announcing scheduled of Ranchi visit of Sangma, state BJP spokesperson Pradeep Sinha at a press conference, on Monday, said that he (Sangma) will meet coalition Chief Minister Arjun Munda. Sangma will meet Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren and Deputy Chief Minister to seek JMM’s support. BJP legislative body meeting is likely to be held the day Sangma will arrive; BJP sources said. While Sangma is expected to explain reasons behind expecting support from this tribal state; the BJP explained it beforehand.

“He is a seasoned parliamentarian one who has proved himself as Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Important thing is that he is tribal and Jharkhand being a tribal state must support him,” Sinha said.

Mukherjee is also scheduled to visit Ranchi on Thursday for a formal meeting with his party MLAs and MPs besides confirming supports from other regional players and independents.

Mukherjee might have chucked many a demands of Jharkhand for concession and special economics as Finance Minister but he is getting support of political parties including JMM, JVM and independents. BJP’s two sets of arguments to persuade its coalition ally; the JMM, seem to have failed miserably. JMM being a tribal centric party ought to support him, and, Mukherjee must be punished for ignoring genuine claims of Jharkhand. BJP and the JMM are the part of coalition government under queer political arrangements: JMM is within NDA fold in Jharkhand while at the Centre it is with the UPA.

Soren seems to have cleaved effortlessly away from BJP and reconfirmed his well-earned reputation for political trapeze in the light of thick hints dropped by the party could consider a tribal as next President. Party sources explained cryptic and profound reasons behind change of mind. “Mind it is a presidential election and not the election of village head,” a senior JMM functionary cautioned, “being a tribal can’t be the sole qualification. Experience and political acceptability matter in such cases. Mukherjee has no comparison with Sangma.”   

It could well be said that the BJP in Jharkhand is sulking in a corner where it can’t locate an ally to support Sangma. The JD (U) having two MLAs in Jharkhand will be hardly important either for Mukherjee and Sangma but the state leadership has been harping on the Nitish Kumar tune to support Mukherjee.

There is no clue yet to come to a conclusion that how AJSU Party leadership intends to respond the BJP’s call. There is even lesser knowledge of calibrated strategy of the AJSU Party that acts discreetly at the last moment without going loud over megaphone. 

Mandu forces JD (U) in a review

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

Mandu assembly by-election is unlikely to spring any soothing electoral surprise for the JD (U), but clash with the BJP over support issue has forced the leadership for a radical restructuring of the party in Jharkhand including a review of relationship with the BJP.

The sentiment is not limited among the State leadership including state JD (U) president and party candidate Khiru Mahto, rather it is backed by the Bihar JD (U) leadership that mostly controls the party in Jharkhand.

“Off course, we are concerned about Jharkhand JD (U), in terms of alliance with the BJP and its organizational structure. We never expected the BJP to part ways with us in Mandu. The JD (U) has the alliance with the BJP at the national level we will be happy to remain out of the alliance in Jharkhand if we can’t remain a friend…and this is precisely what we are going to say to the national leadership after the result,” Bihar JD (U) MLA and state JD (U) co-in-charge Sharavan Kumar said. 

The Bihar JD (U) that a week back was more engrossed in the Lokha assembly by-election in Bihar put the Mandu by-poll on the priority list, quite suddenly. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will pepper-up the poll campaign by agreeing to address two rallies in Mandu on Sunday. He has already dispatched two of his trusted colleagues Shravan Kumar and minister in his government Narendra Singh for Mandu.

Sources close to Nitish though confided that Nitish is playing politically coy over this issue. “He is aware of the rout and ravage of the party in Jharkhand. But, the way the BJP dishonoured the alliance despite knowing that the party president has been contesting, has indeed angered him. He will be in Mandu not merely for campaign but for confidence sake also. We are not in a position to bargain in Jharkhand but certainly not a beggar,” a party insider said.

The state BJP has tactically decided to keep Chief Minister Arjun Munda and its senior leaders off the Mandu, on Sunday, to avert any face-off with Nitish. The BJP-JD (U) relation further worsened in the wake of the Mandu by-election after leaders of both the parties fired salvo against each other over the matter of support. The BJP seems to be caught in the intricacy of its own arguments behind not supporting —local sentiments opposed any support and the decision was taken by the Central BJP leadership.

“After elections are over the JD (U) will raise this matter in the NDA meeting to get at least a convincing reply from the BJP for not supporting us. Was it the decision of Delhi or Ranchi we should have been explained. I can understand the circumstances under which the BJP sided with the JMM in Mandu which the BJP might like to state,” said party’s national general secretary Javed Raza told over telephone from Delhi.

Even if the BJP took politically correct step to support the JMM it erred substantially.  It unconsciously became the victim of JD (U)’s angered reaction just the day BJP announced support to the JMM and let loose some of its robust lungs in media war with the JD (U). “The best way for the BJP would have been to let JD (U) fume and frown at us and pacify them later rather than indulging in a public spat,” a senior BJP leader said.

When the question of alliance in Jharkhand has just been caught in the wind of faithful and unfaithful quotient the JD (U) is prompt enough to place certificate. “If Nitish flagged off the Rath Yatra of BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani over black money and corruption he did it despite it was BJP’s programme because it involved a national issue. BJP is beseeching new ally like AIDMK on the national level but loosing fast one such in Jharkhand,” a senior JD (U) leader said.

With cloud of concern on weekend Munda rushes to US

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

Taking time out from the distressing domestic wrangles that he has been facing of late, Arjun Munda flew abroad on Friday, leaving behind two partially-resolved issues — the striking JSEB employees and MLAs fund.

By the time Munda took flight to Delhi this afternoon to board a flight for US; agitating employees of Jharkhand State Electricity Board (JSEB) had called off their strike over privatization of power distribution in Ranchi and Jamshedpur. Munda will return on December 18 likely. 

It is not enforcement of ‘Essential Service Maintenance Act’ on recalcitrant striking employees rather Jharkhand High Court taking suo-motto notice of the strike and severe reprimand over state facing blackout; hastened them to dissolve their agitation. Otherwise they have been calling privatization a corporate conspiracy.

For Munda who holds Energy department; it is a baby step towards reformation and revamp of JSEB. CMO sources said that Munda is quite likely to start the process of unbundling of JSEB which has long been pending. “Reforms are required and even High Court has felt the need of trifurcation of JSEB for professional reasons. Controversy over CESC and Tata Power being given power distribution work in Ranchi and Jamshedpur are unfounded. They will be investing Rs 160 crore and Rs 150 respectively in both towns to install fresh lines and electric transformers. While JSEB bosses have tendency to supply inferior stuff,” CMO sources said.

CMO sources listed merits of above privatization: said companies will stop 32 per cent of transmission loss out of power theft and others. In Ranchi Rs 12 crore of power theft is reported annually and if stopped it will add into shrinking revenue of JSEB.  “Reforms have been initiated in the light of ‘Central Electricity Act 2003.’ Please note it is a personal initiative of CM,” sources added.

But employees’ union on previous occasion had argued the government should give them last chance of to streamline functioning of JSEB on cooperative basis. They sounded like a spoilt child now promising to be disciplined because JSEB has been a house of scam and a horror story of mismanagement all these years.

But over the issue of non-release of MLA fund CMO sources admitted Munda faced isolation inside and outside of the House during recently concluded Winter Session of the assembly. Speaker had to suspend the proceedings because of lack of quorum as MLAs refused to attend the house over non-release of fund from last nine months.

Munda is learnt to be particularly unpleased with his own party MLAs led by his bête noir Raghuwar Das who with behind the scene support of Assembly Speaker CP Singh joined hand with Opposition leader Rajendra Singh over this issue.

Munda assured the House to resolve the issue within 15 days. Munda reportedly expressed displeasure on his deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Mahato and Hemant Soren whom he believed blithely eased responsibility off their shoulders and pretended not a crease of blame, much less a scar. 

“Where is CM is culprit? Technical objections over release of fund were made by the Finance Department held by Hemant Soren and the fund is released by Rural Development Department headed by Sudesh Mahato. And where was public account committee?” a legislator asked.

For two days when the House boomed over the issue; Munda deliberately turned late in the assembly, aware of Das-Singhs tandem having laid deadly trap for him.  Munda can’t bet on calm for a while yet.

Soren calm, son cries bureaucratic highhandedness 

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

They say it takes two to tango. But the dance of the polity was a shade out of step on Wednesday, when Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s father and son sang differing tunes. While a magnanimous JMM chief Shibu Soren exhorted party-men to extend complete support to the coalition Government, his son seemed more weighed down by the more pragmatic compulsions of bureaucracy.

A day before when Soren is supposed to preside the meeting of State Coordination Committee (SCC) as chairman to review performance of coalition government, he summoned meeting of party’s core committee as well as district presidents to gauge their mood about coalition government headed by BJP.

“He (senior) was of the view that the performance of the government should be critically reviewed keeping in mind limitations and odds that the government has been facing in matter of governance. He accepted government need to improve on its performance in certain key areas. He rather advised that any note of dissent or disapproval over the functioning of the government should not cross beyond certain decibel,” a senior JMM functionary said.

Soren was critically high and jarring in his note and sounded like a monarch who is overshadowed, rather crippled by bureaucracy in matter of governance in both the meetings. Hemant Soren, party sources said, was critical about bureaucracy during the meeting of JMM’s minister saying that a particular bureaucratic circle seems to be allergic towards suggestions coming from the JMM’s fold about governance and they are critical and conspiratorial towards departments under the control of the JMM in the government.

Junior Soren was termed the coalition government being shoved and shuttled in different directions by the coalition partners: BJP, JMM, AJSU and JD (U). “He did not refer any particular case to suggest this. He was just giving certain outline of the situation. He indicated communication gap coming in the way of taking a collective decision,” sources said.

Hemant and his party critically differ with the BJP and CM over Nagari land row where CM has refused to buzz under the pressure of the JMM which wanted the government to return land to its owners.

Junior Soren speaking against bureaucracy is an old signature tune which he repeatedly announced from the public platform. But the JMM insiders confided that father gave some useful tips to son to tame-in the bureaucracy.  “He (Soren) advised Hemant against such serial cry and bemoaning in public. He (Hemant) by this way is exposing his own administrative and political incompetence which he should not. JMM is equally responsible if the government is labeled as under achiever,” sources said.

At this moment both JMM and BJP are seems to be in competing clamour to take credit of some of successful the welfare projects started by the government. But the JMM feels the BJP has smartly taken credits to these even ignoring the right claim of JMM.

About Thursday meeting of Coordination Committee; Soren may press for a united effort besides asking government to rein-in the bureaucracy. But at least on one policy decision of the state government Soren decided to defer. A few months back, state government formed a panel to indentify people who took part in separate Jharkhand movement. The government will give them monthly pension on the line of Bihar which started pension plan for the people who had taken part in Jayprakash Narayan led movement during 70s.

“We don’t have problem with panel. We have objection that district and block officials have been asked to prepare the list. The government should have asked political parties involved in that movement to furnish ground list of such people. We beg to defer here. We have formed a committee of the party in this regard,” Soren said after the meeting.

But those who know Soren don’t offer any guarantee that Soren will not cry hoarse against the government on Thursday.

The darling of scamsters now in pit of despair

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

“The ground had receded horribly; the drop appeared terrifying out of all proportion to this height he had reached. From the ground such a height would have appeared un-noteworthy.”

From The Vertical Ladder by William Sansom

If not the story, at least former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda is metaphorically close to Sansom’s poor boy Flegg, who was instigated by his friends to climb a vertical ladder to reach dizzying height of an old gasometer. At the top he was in the grip of isolation and fears with no way to climb down: his friends had vanished and ladder removed.   

Decency doesn’t allow commemoration of jail going anniversary of a convict or a suspect. On November 30, three years back, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda was arrested for massive corruption charges which investigative agencies are still struggling to find out exact figure of heist. Couple of his associates in alleged corruption (Koda & Co, that’s how investigative agencies often refer to) Binod Sinha, Vikash Sinha, Vijay Joshi etc were arrested and charge-sheets were produced against couple of them.

Koda has been granted bail in few cases but denied in the rest because he was dubbed as mastermind and key of huge loot of public money of a poor state: Rs 2500 crore and even more. It is beyond the capacity of a normal calculator of nine digit flash to compute the alleged heist. But if one divides the money made by Koda and his cahoots, Binod and Sanjay Choudhary, by the number of days he remained as CM (23 months) and as minister of mines in the BJP-led Arjun Munda government, it is whopping Rs 3.6 crore a day.

Those in the power portal who controlled him as Chief Minister and baptized him in corruption are loath to admit him as friend. And the man is desperately begging sympathy and support against frustrating numbers of sections of penal code imposed on him which he refutes false and fabricated. “Charges against me are politically motivated. Sometimes they (investigative agencies) say I made more than Rs 3,549.72 crore, sometimes the figures go higher. They claim I invested in abroad. Why don’t they bring proofs? How long will they keep me in jail,” Koda had told The Pioneer during Presidential election.      

This year Income Tax Department issued him a notice to pay fine of Rs 1200 crore against his undisclosed assets. The CBI and Enforcement Directorate claim Koda individually minted Rs 1,340 crore out of allotment of mining lease, rural electrification projects and others.

Koda may not be totally wrong in claiming innocence but probing agencies are also not wrong in claiming the man compromised with conscience to indulge in corruption.

A simple and innocent tribal man rose from a petty miner at Gua mines in Chaibasa to Chief Minister of Jharkhand and earned a place in the Limca Book of Records for being the first independently elected legislator to have led a State for such a long time.

But what goes up must come down. “I don’t know whether he regrets or not from behind the bar but he must be thinking as to what went wrong with him in the pits of despair. Look at this man everybody despise he has become a generic name of corruption in Jharkhand,” Ashok Sarangi a resident of Gua known to Koda observed.

Koda is critical legal and political story: the man who took the wrong man’s company just like Flegg.

Yours truly of masters remain vital links in corruption cases

VIJAY DEO JHA

Ranchi

There is a particular breed that stalks the corridors of power in Jharkhand with their collar-up shirt, flaunting ‘connections’ and proximity to their MLA and Minister bosses. Talking big, fast and loud, these personal assistants bask not in fame, but in its shadow. They are Man Fridays often assume mien of boss and bark in front of poor constituents but wag tail on mere summon of master.

But they have privy of closeness with their bosses that make many feel envy. But they know many a secrets and dirty details and designs of their bosses as well that makes them vulnerable too. In some of the cases they end mysteriously like Sashinath Jha (former PA of JMM chief Shibu Soren) and Hariom Jha (the man who made small time miner Madhu Koda into a mighty politician.) A couple of them like Manoj Singh (one time private assistant of Minister Chandra Prakash Chaudhary) made a swift rise in short span. His bank account swelled like his fat belly — Rs 12.54 crore, when Income Tax on October 15, 2009 conducted raids at his residences in Saran (Bihar) and Ranchi.

Their names prominently figure in dozens of Public Interest Litigations which were filed before the Jharkhand High Court to seek CBI investigation of corruption and disproportionate cases against former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda & Co.

Sample this: Atish Singh and Ajit Roshan Tete PA to former minister Ainosh Ekka who recently came out of jail on bail in corruption case, Sanjay Sinha former PA to former minister Harinarayan Roy who along with Ekka released on bail in corruption case, Vivek Raut and Manohar Paul former PA of JMM chief Shibu Soren, Gaznafar Imam PA to former minister Bandhu Tirkey and many more. If bosses allegedly minted money these PAs were not far behind in filling their own coffer by dubious dealings, if not all of them. But Sanjay Jha (former PA of Minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi) was known for flashy life style.  

“They are equal partners in crime. Now High Court has directed CBI to investigate about official and unofficial associates of these politicians,” senior lawyer Rajiv Kumar said.

 

Most of them are ambitious and hook their prospect with MLAs and ministers to make fast bucks. Old association and loyalty with their bosses are considered to be prerequisite to become PAs. But no such test on the integrity index. When Paul was hired by Soren as private secretary he was already dismissed from his job of the CMPDI for forging his engineer degree following the CBI investigation. He is facing charges of minting Rs 65 crore by misusing coal linkages.  

“We got bad name due to some unscrupulous people. There is loot in Jharkhand and they are looting their share. But not all of them are involved,” said a PA of a BJP MLA.

The CBI during investigation of horse trading case of March 30 Rajya Sabha was stunned to find out a good number of them having played an active role in fixing kickback deal of their MLA bosses with respective candidates. A couple of them allegedly got premium amounts for their service. The CBI zeroed in on a good number of them to elicit vital information. A couple of them like Vikash Singh, Vikash Pandey (former assistants of JMM MLA Sita Soren) turned CBI approver in the case.

Many of them are claiming innocence and feigning ignorance about any secret deal of their bosses during the Rajya Sabha elections.

“Very funny,” chortled a CBI official, “their excuse provides some comic relief…but they know a lot.”

There is no guarantee the Man Fridays will not be slaughtered to save lives of their bosses. 

Guv seeks Attorney General’s opinion on IC appointment  

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

As the appointment of Information Commissioners (IC) in Jharkhand caught in legal and political wrangle, Governor Syed Ahmed has sought the opinion of Attorney General of India G E Vahanvati on this matter.

“It is basically a constitutional appointment hence a decision was taken to seek opinion of Attorney General. It is also because of the fact that Supreme Court has given certain directives regarding appointment of Information Commissioners in the States of the country which central government has challenged on certain grounds. We are awaiting Attorney’s opinion,” Principle Secretary to Governor Aditya Swaroop said. This is third such opinion taking exercise — Governor twice obtained the opinion of State’s Advocate General (AG) Anil Kumar Sinha.

But the Supreme Court ruling given on 13 Sept 2012 in Namit Sharma Vs Union of India case and centre’s review petition therein; is not the sole issue forcing the Governor to seek Attorney’s opinion.

A PIL was filed by one Sri Krishna Pandey at Jharkhand High Court challenging the very process and criteria fixed for the appointments of ICs in Jharkhand. Pandey sought Apex Court’s intervention to direct Jharkhand government to start fresh process of appointment in the light of SC’s ruling.  

The ruling says appointments should be made through public advertisement as well as in accordance with the SC directives. It strictly forbids hush-hush to stop pick and chose appointments on political and personal basic. It said Chief Information Commissioner must be a retired justice of Supreme Court or an ex chief justice of High Court besides 50 per cent of members appointed must be legally qualified, judicially trained and experienced. Centre contended ‘Information Commission’ is a kind of social legislation. The SC ruling will make difficult to appoint people from different walk of life hence it will be a lopsided arrangement, Centre contended.

But in Jharkhand concerns leaps beyond constitutional limit where the very process of appointments and faces selected were dubbed as case of personal and political favouritism.

When the process of appointment was started in Jharkhand; a three men committee of Chief Minister Arjun Munda, Leader of Opposition Rajendra Singh and Land Revenue Minister Mathura Mahato finally picked three names: PR Das (former Registrar General of the Jharkhand High Court), Rajesh Srivastava and Himanshu Chaudhary.

The only qualification of Srivastava is that he is hotelier and budding building constructor. The idea that probably promoted Srivastava to vie for such important post is not a speculation job. Sources confided that Srivastava was a personal choice of Singh because he (Srivastava) happens to be business partner of Anup Singh who is Singh’s son and political heir apparent. Nevertheless, AG in his opinion given to Governor in the past is learnt to have found Srivastava poorly under qualified. Hence his name was reportedly dropped from the list. But Srivastava has not lost hope.

Chaudhary in his polished CV claims himself as an outstanding and veteran journalist with years of public exposure. But the state and people came to know about him — that to quite little — when he joined as political advisor of Chief Minister Shibu Soren in 2010. Political sources admitted Chaudhary is Soren’s choice.

Sources in the Raj Bhavan confided those factors which forced Governor to seek opinion of Attorney. “SC’s observation is off course an issue. But Governor being the appointing authority he will not like any controversy after much doubts and disputes raised over appointment process,” sources said. Retired justice DK Sinha; Chief Information Commissioner, is the only member left at of State Information Commission. He will have to wait for some times.

Gadkari visits Munda but heels coalition

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

It was handshake largely seen as an attempt to minimize the shock that once rocked the coalition boat; even disturbing trust template between the BJP and the JMM during and after the Rajya Sabha elections.

National BJP president Nitin Gadkari and Deputy Chief Minister Hemant Soren had this handshake moment twice, on Sunday, without clamour of attention and pops of the flashbulbs.

Gadkari along with party’s national general secretary Vijay Goyal and Kiran Maheswari visited Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Sunday who is recovering after sustaining injuries during chopper crash and later admitted in Apollo Hospital. Conspicuously, Soren arrived moments before Gadkari reached at the Apollo to receive him. Gadkari along with Soren stayed for around 20 minutes with Munda and expressed satisfaction over his recovery. Neither the place nor the moment was convenient even for light political discussion.

Sources having privy to that meeting said: “Gadkariji inquired about the health of Chief Minister and he was particularly pleased to find Soren alongside Mundaji and had a warm handshake. It was a not a mere handshake…it was political gesture by both to rebuff reports of rift between the coalition partners after the Rajya Sabha elections.”

There were instances and episodes outside to suggest it. Though, both Soren and Gadkari did not offer anything for political consumption over the functioning of the government and understanding of the coalition partners except saying that any report of misunderstanding and grudge was unfounded. Soren rather insisted to accompany Gadkari to the airport in his car where they had detailed talk over strengthening coalition tie and running the government smoothly.

“Gadkari’s visit has energized the party and strengthened the government further,” state BJP president Dineshnanda Goswami told The Pioneer later on.   

“Soren was very active. He remained with Gadkari and even insisted to drop him to his private aircraft as though he was trying to compensate the mistake in the past for not visiting Gadkari and other senior party leaders in Delhi to resolve differences between the BJP and the JMM over separate candidature of these two parties. They had handshake here again,” sources said.

Even the JMM insiders were of the view that such gesturers are subject to serious political interpretation. “It was something beyond mere courtesy meeting and welcome if Deputy Chief Minister accompanied Gadkari during his Ranchi visit. He even did not mind to let himself mixed-up with the state BJP leaders and workers who had turned in large number to welcome Gadkari,” a senior JMM leader said.

“If something was lost during and after the Rajya Sabha election we recovered it,” the leader said. When one of those men called Gadkari and the other Soren, it’s never just a handshake, it is something beyond that.

CM puts performance tag on officials

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Monday made his intention known to start first phase of administrative reforms by forming three different committees that will review performances of IAS, IPS and IFS officers of Jharkhand cadre those who have completed 15 and 25 years of their service.

Munda ordered the formation of committee in the wake of amendment in section 16 (3) of the All India Service Act by Central government in January where it proposed review of the performances of officials under said cadre after 15, 25 years of their service or if they have attended 50 years of age. After the amendment officials can be removed from the service if found incompetent following the review of their service.

“It is a landmark decision of the state government and a good opportunity to start administrative reform. Chief Minister on many occasions has taken steps to make administration responsive and sensitive towards public welfare and development,” a top CMO official said.

Munda has precisely defined mandates for the committee to “hold an objective review of the performance of officials whether satisfactory or unsatisfactory…state government will take suitable decisions within provisions of the Act.” Provisions of the Act say that such officials could be removed from the service by serving them either three months notice or three of salary.    

Asked whether committees have been given a timeline by which it need to complete the review, sources termed it a continuous process believing that assessments will be made on the ground performance rather than Annual Confidential Report of an official concerned. Sensing that flocks of these three elite service have inbuilt tendency to save skin of each specially if they happen to belong to same state cadre; the government ensured that one out of four members of review committee must not be from Jharkhand cadre. Government further ensured that the said member in no case should be the resident of Jharkhand. While Chief Secretary is set to head the committee, at least one member of the committee must be an SC or ST category official.

A four men committee headed by Chief Secretary will review performance of IAS officials of Jharkhand cadre. An SC, ST official of Principal Secretary’s rank will also be the members of the committee besides Principal Secretary or secretary of Department of Personnel will be the member of the committee. In case of the review committee for appraisal of IPS officials Director General Police will be the part of the committee besides Principal Secretary/ Secretary Home as another member. Chief Forest Conservator and Principal Secretary / Secretary Forest will the member of the committee meant to review performances of officials of Indian Forest Service.

In a state like Jharkhand where officials are notorious for dereliction of duty the step has widely been welcomed. “I don’t want to get indulged in a debate whether the government voluntarily took the decision or directed by the Centre to constitute such committees. I simply say it is a good decision. It will make officials responsive towards their duty. But we need a tough appraisal of their performances otherwise the whole idea will collapse,” former Chief Secretary of Jharkhand A.K. Singh said.

Singh said that he never heard any official of these cadres being removed from the service on the ground of incompetency. “Now you are prone to be eliminated from the service if you don’t perform. There has been a set procedure that with the beginning a financial year each official is given certain task to perform which is reviewed at the end. Often their Confidential Record shows them as one of the best performers even if they performed quite badly. It will have an impact now,” Singh said.