Munda takes oath as CM
September 15, 2010

Vijay Deo Jha | RANCHI | Nation

Arjun Munda was on Saturday sworn in as Jharkhand Chief Minister heading a BJP-JMM coalition at a simple ceremony. AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto and JMM leader Hemant Soren, son of former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, were also sworn in at the ceremony, which was earlier scheduled at 11 am was delayed by 55 minutes, considered a more auspicious time.

This was the reinstallation of a government whose two major alliance partners had parted ways only three months back and returned to the same boat under certain political arrangements.

For Hemant, it was dream come true. He was the last to be sworn in but scored a first today: the first time MLA in Jharkhand politics; one who directly rose to become number two of a Government.

The front row glittered with top BJP leaders concealing rejoice over the success of their masterstroke in forming the Government. Former party national president Rajnath Singh, national spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh, Uttarakhand CM Ramesh Pokhriyal, Fagan Singh Kulaste, Rajya Sabha member MS Ahluwalia, Vijay Goel, Nitish Kumar’s deputy Sushil Modi, Karuna Shukla and many others attended the ceremony.

“After a long discussion, the BJP took this decision. We had straight talk with alliance partners. Jharkhand needs a stable Government for development. And those who try to destabilise the Government will be punished by the people,” Rajnath Singh said on the sidelines of the ceremony.

“This Government will complete its term. It has the blessings of god,” Ravishankar said.

None seemed more delighted than the jumbo size JMM and the BJP contingent, turning in large numbers. Place extreme left down the podium was exclusively marked for the relatives and wives of Munda, Sudesh and Hemant. Mira Munda, Neha Mahato and Kalpana Soren had formed a trio this afternoon greeting each other.

But the person that really attracted most interest and attention was the one that had no podium moment today - JMM boss Shibu Soren. He, of course, blessed the Government.

Later, the Munda Cabinet in its first meeting on Saturday sacked forty ad-hoc assistant engineers on the ground that their service was not “in the interest of the State.”

The new Government also announced implementation of the Sixth central Pay Commission for teachers of universities in the State. The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arjun Munda, Chief Secretary AK Singh told mediapersons.

Munda cheers varsity employees with Sixth Pay Commission

September 15, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA | RANCHI

Holding the first cabinet meeting after assuming the charge of the Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Saturday took 18 decisions.

The Cabinet decided to implement the recommendation of the 6th Pay Commission for the employees of the universities of Jharkhand. The decision will benefit around 3000 employees.

In another decision the State Government terminated the service of 40 engineers of different departments. Briefing the media the Chief Secretary AK Singh said that there were allegations of financial bungling against them and the matter had been pending from many years.

Munda reflected the intention to fight against corruption. “The State has found that the continuation of their service will not be in the interest of the state, Singh said.

In another decision the State Government increased the amount of the contingency fund from `150 crore to Rs 750 crore. Tackling drought in Jharkhand the Cabinet instructed the administration to undertake the repairing work of defunct water hand pump. Around 8000 such hand pumps will be repaired. The Cabinet has also instructed the administration to endure supply of water. For better monitoring and implementation of projects under NREGA, the cabinet also formed NREGA cell. Munda later on addressed a press conference and listed the priority of his Government. “I will try to give a transparent administration. Controlling drought is our first priority,” Munda said.

Munda sure of winning trust vote
September 15, 2010

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Nation

Chief Minister Arjun Munda will seek trust vote on the floor of the House on Tuesday. Since the Assembly is under renovation, arrangements have been made to convene the special session of the Assembly at the Administrative Training Institute. Assembly Speaker CP Singh surveyed the arrangements made at the venue on Tuesday evening. Later on Singh addressed a Press conference.

“The session of the Assembly will start at 11 am,” said the Speaker, while adding, “separate sitting arrangements have been made for the ruling coalition and Opposition members.”

The House, which had the strength of 82 members, has been reduced to 80 following the death of Congress MLA from Hatia Gopal Nath Shahdeo and nominated MLA from the Anglo-Indian community JP Galstaun. The Cabinet on Tuesday agreed on the name of Joseph Galstaun, the son on late JP Galstaun, as the nominated member.

While the BJP-JMM-AJSU coalition has the support of 45 MLAs, including two JD(U) and another two independent MLAs, the Opposition staggers with 35 headcounts. Three MLAs Ainosh Ekka (Jharkhand Party Ekka faction), Harinarayan Rai ((IND)) and Polush Surin of the JMM are currently lodged in jail.

When asked about the possibility of these MLAs to attend the special session of the Assembly, Singh said that he had no intimation about them.

Surin is facing trial for his alleged involvement in subversive act of Maoists. Ekka and Rai have been in the judicial custody from the past one year after Vigilance Bureau lodged corruption cases against them.

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Rajendra Singh held a meeting of the party legislative body on Monday evening. “We will expose the alliance before people. We will expose the BJP during the floor testing,” Congress MLA Sarfaraz Ahmed told The Pioneer.

However, party’s alliance partner JVM has already announced its intention to turn heat on the Congress also. “We will oppose the Government. But how can we forget the Congress which acted as a midwife which helped the alliance partner in the labour pain, we will equally criticise the Congress, as well as the BJP and the JMM,” said JVM leader Samresh Singh.

The Congress believes that the five MLAs of the RJD will stay in Opposition fold. Last time Shibu Soren had took rein as the CM of the BJP-JMM-AJSU coalition Government, the party had extended covered support to the Government when the RJD MLAs walked out during floor test alleging the Congress responsible for the formation of the Government.

Munda is confident to win as he controls the numbers game. “We have support of the parties which want a democratic Government for people’s welfare. We will win the majority and the Government will complete its term,” Munda said on the eve of floor test. In the afternoon, Munda also met party’s organisational secretary Saudan Singh. Munda had staked claim on September 7 to form Government and took oath as the 8th Chief Minister of Jharkhand, along with Sudesh Mahato of the AJSU and Hemant Soren of the JMM, who took oath as deputy Chief Ministers.

The alliance listed the support of following MLAs: BJP (18), JMM (18), AJSU (5), JD(U) (2) and two independents. The strength of other parties is: Congress (13), JVM (11), RJD (5), CPI (MLL) (1), Marxist Coordination Committee (1), Jharkhand Party (Ekka) (1), Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch (1) and two independents (Gita Koda and Harinarain Rai).

Pix Malay Kumar




Old wine in a new bottle: Munda talks about changes
September 15, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA | RANCHI

There is perhaps no better person and place to get renewed promises of changes in Jharkhand than the precincts of its most famous address for four years: Old Jail Road, and its occupant Chief Minister Arjun Munda.

Soon after taking oath as the 8th CM of Jharkhand on Saturday; Munda in an exclusive talk with The Pioneer swore to demolish one idea of Jharkhand as the basket case of India, and the crafting of another.

Can Munda make a difference? Past regimes were not different. It was a free territory overran and exploited by people and politicians of all hues — scamsters and scoundrels, sycophants, in-laws and outlaws, a whole court confederacy that first put establishment out of touch with the rooted reality of the State, and then, out of power.

And 10 years down Munda has again become CM of the State: functionality for famed flair, calibre for celebrated corruption and hope for hollow hype.

“So what, Jharkhand will change,” Munda said gazing at a large portrait hung on the wall depicting natural beauty of Jharkhand. He probably wanted to hint it as the central metaphor of his reign.

Q: You had been in State politics before you moved to the national politics and became party’s national general secretary. Great hope was attached to you. And in fact you had shown right sign. Strange! Why did you decide to make a come back?

A: I am a loyal worker of the BJP. My party assigned me this job. I will take any responsibility as deemed fit by the party. I will deliver best of my capabilities.

Q: Is Arjun Munda different today and than the one in the past?

A: As my understanding and experience is concerned as a party worker, i will make an optimum use to this. I promise to remain bias in performing my duty.

Q: Have you worked out your priorities for the State after you took oath as CM?

A: At present priorities are speaking for themselves: drought, law and order. Good rain could have yielded good crops… solving a major trouble. What I think is that the State require infrastructure. Under a long term plan we need to tap and harness the human resource to enable Jharkhand to compete with global economy. Bijli, Pani sarak (BIPASA) are in priority. Projects must be planned in the light of the demographic and geographical conditions of the State.

Q:And what about corruption?

A:This is a big and serious issue…our priority will be to change the system that breeds corruption. But I think it is not the only issue one should keep himself engaged with. People of Jharkhand are forward looking. People are not concerned with corruption only.

Q: But then corruption eats away the vitals of the development?

A: See this is true it has become gangrene. We need to work together.

Q: Don’t you think the institutes like ombudsman are good and effective tools to crush corruption?

A: Yes, I will think and try all these mechanisms. But I do not believe in propaganda. Our commitment to deal with corruption is more important.

Q: Will you ask your Ministers to declare their properties to stop another Madhu Koda, Ainosh Ekka, Harinarayan Rai and Kamlesh Singh in making?

A: I always ask media what is the level of corruption. Let me ask you what is corruption? How we brand somebody as corrupt. Now tell me what media will offer me on this front.

Correspondent: Media will extend you full cooperation.

Munda: No no. It is not only about support. I personally believe that serious issues require serious deliberations. How many times you (media) questioned the logic behind supporting an independent MLA as CM of this State. What should be the criteria? National parties are responsible for the reflection of democracy and democratic system. There is only partial democracy.

Q: What messages CM Arjun Munda will like to send across scamsters, scoundrels and corrupt?

A: Law will take care of them. They will be punished according to their deeds.

Q: And bureaucracy?

A: Be ready for a transparent and functioning administration. Be responsible towards people.

Q: Maoism will be a big challenge for you to deal with.

A: I had had been raising this issue that how this problem has affected people and the States…but I was taken very lightly that time. Jharkhand is not the only State facing this problem. Can a State address this problem by taking isolated effort? You need to form an elaborate national policy. I do not criticise anybody. I will raise right points at right forums.

Q: What about Operation Green Hunt?

A: Don’t ask me all these. Ask this to Indian Government.

Q: Will you also not talk about all those Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) you had signed as CM in the past that gave you a nickname MoU CM, once. Won’t you look back?

A: Will you explain me please what happened all these four years after I stepped out so that I answer you.

Q: Industrial houses sign MoUs only to fast belt minerals and resources and then they pack off. Do you promise a fair and rational Industrial Policy?

A: Yes, there will people’s policy. Industry will automatically come. Policy will be decided while keeping the interest of the people at the centre of the policy formation.

Q: During your first tenure as CM you took your first decision to grant lifelong freebies to former CMs. What will be your first decision this time?

A: “Iss baar media ke liye karenge (This time I will do for media),” Munda laughs.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/282537/Old-wine-in-a-new-bottle-Munda-talks-about-changes.html

Munda sails through with 45 Ayes

VIJAY DEO JHA
RANCHI 15 September Front Page Nation

In part, CM Arjun Munda statement during confidence motion debate on Tuesday was marked with frequent interruptions but the central theme of his lengthy statements was loud.

“Everybody wished a government in Jharkhand be it Opposition be it Treasury bench…if you want election,” Munda pointedly told the Opposition, “then what are you doing here you should have resigned earlier.”

Munda had a smooth sail to win the confidence motion: 45 Ayes and 30 No. Even Opposition believed that Munda going to win the trust vote was a fate-accompli but it could have filled the trust deficit; that could not happened since five MLAs remained absent during the debate. Congress’ Yogendra Sao, Arup Chatterjee of Marxist Coordination Centre, Bandhu Tirkey of Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch and two independent MLAs in judicial custody — Ainosh Ekka and Harinarayan Rai did not participate in the third special session of the assembly that was convened at Administrative Training Institute.

Munda in his 25 minutes speech took pain to justify as to why his party—the BJP, joined hands with the JMM, AJSU and JD (U) to form government barely three months after it had parted its way.

“In the last ten years Jharkhand has been witnessing fractured mandate. During election all of us campaign for our respective parties but we also ask people to give full mandate to the party they wish,” Munda said.

The decision to join hands with the JMM and other coalition partners, Munda said was the demand of the time. But the major part of his statement, Munda underline the priorities of his government amid constant demand from the Opposition bench to declare entire Jharkhand famine hit.

He announced to hold an all party meeting to obtain a broad view over the drought in Jharkhand and sought the support of the Opposition to deliver a fair, transparent and responsible government ahead to address legions of problems as he said.

“Jharkhand ki janta ke liye hamari ek jaisi pida hai. Is pida ko apni sakti banayen, (We share similar pain for the people of Jharkhand. Let us make this pain our strength).”

It was largely a scene of an insipid Treasury bench matched by another set of uninspired Opposition bench. There were few exceptions in the Opposition occupying the first row, Pradeep Yadav and Samresh Singh who besides grilling Munda and his party; proved that their lungs and vocal cord work quite well.

KN Tripathi of the Congress had done ground work to nail the government and even quoted a portion of the book India in Turmoil written by former Jharkhand Governor Ved Marwah where the latter has leveled certain charges on Munda.

The fear of ongoing probe of the corruption cases by the Vigilance Bureau and the CBI has brought leaders of the alliances together,” Tripathi said.

“The government will not complete its term since the agents and ingredients of instability are still present in the government.” The Opposition provided some momentary relief from monotonous debate with sharp banters hurled at Raghuwar Das of the BJP and others.

But most of the part of the debate stayed over the visit of Munda to Nagpur a day after he took oath to meet the BJP national president Nitin Gadkari and the RSS leaders along with his deputy CMs Hemant Soren of the JMM and Sudesh Kumar Mahato of the AJSU.

“Munda and his ministers forgot Birsa Munda and Chotanagpur. They visited Nagpur instead to seek blessing,” Yadav quipped. Sitting in the back bench the JMM MLA Akil Akthar rose to defend the government but nobody took notice to him.

The Congress was delighted over invectives of its alliance partner, but, it was short-lived. Yadav released payloads of furry and banters against Congress for not dissolving the Assembly even after much demand of the JVM.

“Do not go to RSS. Go to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi straight and flat down. She gave you the time and opportunity to form government.” Leader of the Opposition and Congress MLA Rajendra Singh in the defence of his party and party chief could only babble: “Congress respects Constitution and its norms.” Singh, otherwise, proved no good speaker today, not even as the leader of Opposition. It was JVM which scored most of the points.

The Opposition wanted Munda’s specific reply over the role of three industrialists (one from Nagpur) in the formation of the government. The poor Hemant was not even able to defend himself as to why he was in so much hurry to unseat his father Shibu Soren as the Chief Minister of the previous government of same composition. “Forget the past. Look ahead,” Hemant hurriedly summed-up.

Cong, JVM sing different tunes on President’s rule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

However peacemakers from both the sides are working overtime.

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

Leaders’ sons, daughters shine in Youth Cong polls

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi| Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Son, daughter and close associates of influential leaders of the Jharkhand Congress have grabbed prize posts in the State Youth Congress.

Union Food Processing Industries Minister Subodh Kant Sahay removed all hurdles for Manash Sinha; newly elected president of the Youth Congress. CLP leader Rajendra Singh's son Anup Singh was elected as Vice president of the State Youth Congress.

The victory of Tanveer Alam for the post of general secretary has come at a time when his father Alamgir Alam (former Speaker of the Assembly) has still not recovered from the trauma of his defeat in the Assembly election from Pakur.

So is the case with former Women Congress president Pratibha Pandey, whose daughter Dipika Pandey got an assignment in new dispensation as the member of the committee. A very senior Congress leader, who in the past held important positions in the Youth Congress, termed it a very successful exercise of the senior leaders to manage entry of their relatives in State politics.

In a bid to inject fresh blood in the organisation, the election for the posts in Jharkhand Youth Congress was held on Monday.

Out of 16 candidates, Manash Sinha became the new president of the State Youth Congress by grabbing 216 votes, defeating his nearest rival Anup Singh by a margin of 50 votes. Anup was elected as Vice-president. Tanveer Alam netted 121 votes, Jyotish Kumar with 43 and Jyoti Singh Matharu with 30 votes will be the new general secretary of the organisation.

In an organisational set-up comprising 10 office bearers, Dipika Pandey got 20 votes, Sahida Kamar 19 votes, Balkishore Marandi 17 votes, Rahul Gupta 15 votes and Mahbubur Rahman eight votes. They have been picked as the member of the committee through electoral process.

Out of 810 voters, 786 turned up for voting. For smooth conduction of the election the central Congress had dispatched three of its senior leaders, including Rajiv Satab, national President of the Youth Congress, Sangrur MP Vijay Inder Singhla and Youth Congress incharge Kuwar Jitendra Singh.

The elected members will be imparted training in politics, programme and ideology of the party in different phases. Before the process of the voting a convection of the party leaders and delegates was held where candidates were given opportunity to put their points before the voters.

Although many of them confessed no schooling or formal training in politics to assume a challenging job ahead. But they pledged to carry on the political mission of their icon Rahul Gandhi.

Besides regular call of 'Rahul Gandhi jindabad' there was occasional slogans "Rahul Gandhi ki Jai, Sonia Gandhi ki Jai".

Burying the past practice of the nomination of the president and other office bearers of the youth Congress, the organisation opted for the election process. "It is the vision of Rahul Gandhi. We started it from Punjab…so far elections of the Youth Congress in 18 States have been completed while the elections of another five States are awaited where the membership drive have already been completed," Singhla said.

"Jharkhand is now in the league of the States where the process of democratisation of the youth wing has been successfully completed. You are the future of the State and national politics. Be ready for that,"he said.

"Till yesterday, connection in the power corridor was probably the only criteria to occupy such a post and to rise in politics. Rahulji has changed the thing for you," said Jitendra Singh in a jam-packed auditorium. "Now, a grass-roots worker can be elected and be the part of Rahul Gandhi's team." It is another matter that few grass-roots worker could be spotted on the result sheet.

Tainted JPSC recruits face music

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Thursday, July 15, 2010

If there can be an apt phrase for 19 officials, who joined State bureaucracy through the second Civil Service recruitment by the JPSC, it could be 'caught between devil and deep sea.'

After Governor MOH Farook's order for inquiry into the conduction of the second JPSC examination held on June 9, these 19 officials --- accused of using unfair means --- were not given the usual official assignments and were attached with the Personnel Department.

Soon after, the State Vigilance named them in the FIR and obtained non-bailable warrant against them. While Personnel Department asked them to report immediately, vigilance sleuths are either looking for tainted officials' whereabouts or lurking outside the Personnel Department with a warrant copy to arrest them.

“One joined a few days back,” said Aditya Swaroop, secretary of the department. But others preferred not to venture around the Personnel Department.

On one hand the department has sought explanation from the new recruits as to why their service should be terminated, on other hand vigilance department has intensified hunt to catch them.

Most of the recruits have reported that they are sick. And in the meantime they are seeking legal opinion to save their skins.

“Sir as I am suffering from jaundice I am unable to join,” writes one official. Another reported to be bedridden after prolonged malaria even after he did not serve in malaria-hit zone of Jharkhand. Doctors well aware of the JPSC scam are very careful in diagnosing their patients.

Personnel Department secretary Swaroop offered a sample of the sick leave application. Sources said a few applications tagged with medical report are so bogus that even a first-year MBBS student will doubt their authenticity.

Prashant Kumar Layak, Radha Prem Kishore, Vinod Ram, Mukesh Kumar (DSP). Kundan Kumar Singh, Rajnish Kumar, Moushmi Nagesh, Sangita Kumari, Harishankar Barik, Kumar Kujur, Shivendra, Kanu Ram Nag, Prakash Kumar, Santosh Kumar Chaudhary, Kumari Gitanjali, Lal Manoj Nath Sahdeo and Hari Oraon are the officials who running from the pillar to the post to evade departmental proceedings and legal action against them.

“How can one join when vigilance is ready with the noose?” Another relative of one such official said. “Once arrested, you cannot do anything for them…till they are out there is hope.”

But the department does not share their concern. “They have been asked to join, it is purely an administrative matter. They have been facing arrest warrant, that is a legal process. Do not mix both. They have been withdrawn from the field service and have been attached with the Personnel department. Do you expect us to go to them to physically complete the process? Do you think we should wait till they are arrested and we visit them in jail to complete the process of their joining to the department?” Swaroop questioned.

He offered no timeline till the department can wait for their joining, just dropping a broad hint: “There is always continuity in the Government job. Must report to the concern department once you are transferred or called back to the parent organisation whatsoever the case is.”

He said legal opinions are being taken from the Law Department for possible actions after the scam report.

“It is a multi-cornered trial…media trial, court trial, vigilance trial and personnel's trial,” said one cursing the Home department for adding the last one. They claimed that Governor in his order did not mention the prosecution of these officials. “And so was Chief Secretary AK Singh in his report sent to the Governor.”

“It was Home Department that ordered to lodge an FIR against them along with former Chairman and members of the JPSC,” said one of them.

Unified command: RSS may back PC

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Thursday, July 15, 2010

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram can receive a very secret pat on his back from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for proposing ‘unified command’ for naxal-affected States to tackle the Maoist menace.

Sources in the RSS told The Pioneer that the organisation shares similar concern with the Central Government and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram over Naxal menace.

In a bid to counter Naxal menace, Chidambaram during a review meeting with the heads and representatives of seven naxal States asked the Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal Government to create a unified command for anti-Maoist operations.
One such unified command is headquartered in Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and sources in the Home Ministry said that PC may want a ‘super unified command-and-control room’ in New Delhi.

Though, the RSS sources said no word over current level of offensive against Maoists named as Operation Green hunt and whether not the concept of a unified command will minimise the role of the State Government in security issues.

But in supporting so the sources promptly put the statistics of the collateral damage suffered by the security forces in the past and the way Maoists have been fast covering territory and people on their side.

“RSS is of the view that Naxalism is a national problem,” which is no more a subject of the State Government to deal with after North Block promptly took this matter. “It needs a more resolute step. A unified command will be an effective instrument to sustain a concentrated operation against Naxalites,” he said.

The Sangh’s support to the Government is backed by several reasons apart from its anti-communist approach. In most of the cases in the States like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa, both RSS and Maoists are feeding their nationalist and revolutionary agenda on the tribal population.

The RSS has been running its pet project of tribal welfare through Vanavasi Kalyan Parishad from 1952. There are around 14,000 such projects running in such States through which the RSS has been providing education to tribals apart from making tribals aware of their right to water, land, forest and others.

“So far no case of any serious confrontation with the Maoist has been reported. Our cadres do not venture in their area…there is an undefined line and a very defined area of our operation. We have largest operation in Jharkhand. But our area of operation has certainly become limited. The level of threat from Maoists has certainly grown. There is a steep decline of the attendance of Swayamsevaks in the morning sakha,” a senior RSS-BJP leader said.

An RSS insider spoke to The Pioneer and named the areas — Gumla, Palamu, Chatra, Chakradharpur, Simdega and others where the growing presence of Maoism has affected the works of the RSS.

Same RSS leader mentioned till a decade back a Maoist did not mind enrolling their children in RSS run school. It is despite Maoists often alleging Vanavasi Parishad and such a camouflage of conversion.

It was another time and another day: Maoism was in the process in emerging as a menace.

Congress protests against arrest of Bokaro unit chief

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Friday, July 16, 2010

Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) staged a protest demonstration in front of Governor’s House on Thursday.

The Congress agitated against the arrest of its party president of Bokaro Rama Rao on Wednesday after a tiff with an official of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). The Congress workers alleged that bureaucracy was reckless under the President’s rule. Those who fumed and delivered dire warning to bureaucracy and police announcing to start agitation in the coming days if Rao was not released were aware the head of the State was a direct nominee of the Congress ruling at the Centre.

The BSP that after distancing itself from Opposition sponsored bandh against the price hike, lately realised the price hike is worth an issue of demonstration. The BSP trying to extend its base in Jharkhand invited some of the party leaders and MPs from Uttar Pradesh to take part in agitation.

Most of the time the BSP leaders targeted the State Government for the price hike, counting failures of the State Government. Around 50 odd BSP workers took part in demonstration while the Congress fold kept swelling till the last.

The agitated voice of the leaders of each camp turned shriller on the megaphone and on some occasion it was very difficult to distinguish who said what and against whom.

While the demonstration of the Congress had the backing and blessing of party’s state president Pradeep Balmuchu to punch President’s rule often labeled as Congress’ rule by the Opposition.

All most all the senior leaders of the Congress participated in demonstration and submitted memorandum to the office of the Governor for an action against officials. Rao was arrested by the police following a successful call for Bokaro bandh given by the district unit on Wednesday after SAIL removed illegally occupied office of the Congress from its quarters.

Knowing the Opposition will score points if they criticise the Government leaders spoke in a close-guarded language. But they had unspent payload of furry against the bureaucracy.

“The way bureaucracy and police have been acting in Jharkhand it reminds me off the Emergency Period.” A Congress leader did not feel shy in mentioning Opposition’s pet word ‘Emergency’ that makes Congress blush, shy and defensive.

American didi raises voices of Ranchi's vendor Bhaiyas

Vijay Deo Jha

Ranchi
Capital’s roads — including one in front of Governor’s house; got a fulsome dose of the pavement on Thursday, and, the pavement a swift pledge from the Governor House.
The roadside and street vendors got an American voice Cheryl Detusceh, working committee member of International Hawkers’ Federation to make the establishment realise the eviction of the vendors was wrong. It was after High Court’s directives to state government to make proper arrangements for street vendors before driving them out to ensure smooth traffic.

On her very first day in Ranchi she got a couple of nicknames — mademji, memsahib and didi — while other gave an uncouth twist to her name Cheryl to Shelly. But the person remains the same.

Within an hour of swarming from the different parts of Ranchi thousands of roadside hawkers under the banner of National Hawker Federation tried to outflank Ranchi’s in traffic forcing establishment to promise a review of its current drive against hawkers.

“Didi ka naam Shelly. America se ayi hai baat karne ke liye. Pata nahi ka ka baat karengi. Angrezi me bolengi to sayad hakim ko samajh ayega. (She is Shelly and has come from America. Do not know what is in her mind. Perhaps bureaucrats will be more convinced when she will speak in English.)” A puzzled vendor of the procession guessed.

Anticipating roadside anger the Congress was quick to join roadside chorus after the party MLA Sawna Lakra joined the delegation that met Sudhir Tripathy, Principal Secretary of Governor MOH Farook. Government retreated quickly enough as he assured the delegation for taking a positive step that includes writing letter to State Urban Development Department and the High Court for a proper settlement of the hawkers.

Detusceh’s had the first encounter with the problems of hawkers in Ranchi after she came down from America some years back to do research on roadside vendors in New Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.

“Hawkers are the part of the economy that caters to small needs of poor at chip price. Policy was formed, court gave ruling but nothing happened. Even prime Minister spoke to the Chief Minister of the State to implement schemes for vendors but nothing happened. I think the problem in Ranchi is grave it needs.

Detusceh is trying learn Hindi, bit nasalized, though. But that is not a handicap for others to understand what she says. And mind she will amaze you by quoting paragraphs and articles out of the voluminous revised Urban Street Vendors Act 2009 to advocate the case very vulnerable vendors of Ranchi and elsewhere.

She is planning to stay in Ranchi to do a survey of the places and the number of hawkers who were evicted by the state government. Federation claims a rough estimate of around 30000 vendors who were forced to backpack their shops in the past couple of months.

Till few months back their agitation remained sporadic; few hands holding placards; few ill-informed speakers trying to get compliance to their complaints from the establishment.

Congress’ Ramdayal Munda and social activist Medha Patekar took leadership of the movement to connect it with the rest of vendor’s India. Detusceh plans to make it make it Transatlantic as she drew a parallel of the problems of the hawkers in Ranchi and California, her home state in America.

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).

Kiss media then kick media

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.

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.

A file photo of Maharaja Kameshwar singh of Darbhanga (1907-1962



RS SPECIAL

Grass is green in Jharkhand for all to enter Upper House

Vijay Deo Jha | NATION | 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.

Soren pays back lawyer with RS seat

Vijay Deo Jha | NATION | 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.

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.