Naxal chatters state caught napping

Intelligence hints at security threat and flow of Naxals

Rajiv/ Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Monday, December 8, 2008


The latest intelligence inputs about the forthcoming Assembly by-election of Tamar are enough to give sleepless nights to the State Government and the political parties.

It is serious due to the fact that Chief Minister Shibu Soren is finally learnt to have decided to contest the election from Tamar. The State Congress in a press communiqué said that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had agreed to nominate Soren as the UPA candidate.

Authoritative sources within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) said: "The UPA will hold a meeting on Wednesday at the residence of deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi to make an official declaration about his candidature.

The intelligence sources said that Peoples Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA), which has been conducting its one week long anti-Government exercise from December 2 to December 8 might target the political leaders of the national parties. The clandestine exercises include killing of senior police officials, loot of police arms and many such subversive acts, the sources cautioned.

The intelligence sources said that the leaders including that of the national parties besides JD (U) candidate from Tamar Vasundhara Munda, AJSU president Sudesh Mahto and the candidate of Jharkhand Party Raja Peter. Naxal groups are learnt to have formed election-monitoring committees to feel the electoral pulse of the voters.

The intelligence agencies have showed concern over the frequent movement of the candidates in Tamar without any security cover. Meanwhile, the Home department is learnt to have directed the district administration to hold meeting with the political parties and the candidates to discuss the security threat.

The well-placed sources in the district administration said that meeting could be conducted after December 15.Declaring the whole area as sensitive, intelligence missive indicated that the Naxal groups could perpetrate violence and cautioned that the group needed to be neutralised.

The source dropped hint of thick concentration of Naxal activists that includes some of the top ranking Naxal leaders. However, after the declaration of the candidature of Soren the State police would take enough security measures to thwart any Naxal plots.

Tamar or Jamtara: Soren caught between devil and deep sea

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Sunday, December 7, 2008

Sitting in his party office in the State capital on Saturday, Chief Minister Shibu Soren said: “Both Tamar and Jamtara are my option from where I can contest the election to enter the State Assembly. I will announce my decision any time.”


But sources close to Soren said that it might be his wish to contest election from Jamtara where he is more confident about his victory, but it would be his compulsion to contest from Tamar which he still does not like.

It was for the first time when Soren officially admitted it and tried to clear the mist over his candidature.

But in another way he left his UPA partners to guess about his future move. There was more confusion over his candidature after suspended BJP MLA from Jamtara, Vishnu Bhaiya while offering his seat to Soren handed over his resignation to him on Friday.

Meanwhile in a late evening development Bhaiya is learnt to have met Soren and discussed about his candidature. Bhaiya is still trying to impress upon Soren that Jamtara was a more safe seat for him rather than Tamar.

Soren has been under pressure within the UPA fold to contest the by-election election from Tamar. Trying to reason with him the UPA leadership said to Soren that even when he decided to contest from Jamtara it would take a long time for the notification to be issued by the

Election Commission for conducting by-election in Jamtara.

Soren is learnt to be left with no choice but to test his electoral luck from Tamar as the Congress is in no mood to leave its claim over Jamtara where it lost the last Assembly election by a thin margin.

Confusion in UPA as Vishnu Bhaiya resigns


Vijay Deo Jha RanchiSaturday, December 6, 2008


Speculation over the possible candidature of Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren whether he would contest from Tamar Assembly constituency or go for Jamtara; has become more interesting but more confounded after suspended BJP MLA from Jamtara, Vishnu Bhaiya handed over the copy of his resignation to Soren (not the Speaker) on Friday evening. He submitted the letter after the return of Soren from Godda.

"I am ready to vacate my seat so that Guruji can fight election from here.So I have submitted my resignation to him (Soren). He can forward this copy to the Speaker of the House whenever he wants", Bhaiya said while talking to The Pioneer.

Narrating the details that transpired between Soren and Bhaiya, well-placed sources said that the Chief Minister discussed some of his internal political compulsions with him. "Tamar or no Tamar was the theme of the meeting", sources said.

Even as State Congress president Pradeep Balmucchu was saying at a Press conference that the UPA unity decided to support Soren's candidature for Tamar assembly constituency; Soren was discussing his possible electoral strategy with Bhaiya.

Is this yet another move of Soren to keep his own UPA fold in confusion that has been exerting pressure upon him to contest election from Tamar instead Jamtara from where he wants to contest.

"We will see this", was the short and brief reaction from the side of the Congress. But the move has placed the UPA fold in confusion. Stating cautiously the spokesperson of the State Congress, Alok Kumar Dubey said: "The party and the UPA offered unequivocal support to Soren if he agreed to become the UPA candidate from Tamar…but we will take a further stand once the resignation of Bhaiya is accepted."

The undertone of the statement was the Congress would not like to gift away Jamtara constituency to Soren as the party lost the last election by a thin margin.

Technically speaking Bhaiya should have submitted his resignation to the Speaker of the State Assembly Alamgir Alam which he did not. Bhaiya on this said: "I have no grievances with the people of my constituency who responded faith in me by electing me from here."

Coming with a new political coinage Bhaiya said: "Santhal Pargana has been sulking on the margin and it is less developed…for the first time in the history of Jharkhand a true leader of Jharkhand who is from Santhal Pargana has come to take rein of the state. I submitted my resignation for this cause."


Stating further the MLA said that he was not leaving this seat for the Congress which was one of the reasons that he had submitted my resignation to Soren instead of the Speaker and he was now free to use it and there was no politics involved in it.

This is Indian crying Moshe

Mumbai mayhem provokes anti-politician SMS wave


Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Friday, December 5, 2008





Now enough is enough! We do not need these buffoons (leaders) to run our country, let’s thank our brave jawans who have saved our lives and stopped our country from becoming an inferno”.



The fight between the ‘Civil India and Political India’ has taken route of SMS after Mumbai mayhem-- the miffed voices can be heard not only on the street, lanes and by-lanes of all over country but Jharkhand shares similar sentiments where people are getting such SMS with request to forward them to others.


While the political class has taken exception to continuous pitbull’s aggression against them by the so-called perfume and lipstick bearing class but it is hard for them to resist a common man’s SMS - “You can put a lipstick on a pig, it is still a pig.”


A good number of people said to have received such SMS from some anonymous senders and from their friends. The content of the messages are full of praise for soldiers for protecting the people and equal scorn for politicians.



Such messages started flowing a day after Mumbai carnage with a pointed attack on the politicians. These SMSes have become one of the ways to express solidarity and determination of the civil society to fight terrorism with the help of brave soldiers “because politicians have played possum with our life” says a running text of an SMS received by Ragini Singh of Lalpur.


These heated and tongue in chick SMSes are continuing to roast political class and party in general and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Shivraj patil, RR Patil, Vilasrao Deshmukh and Kerla Chief Minister Achuthanandan in particular for their casual approach and colloquial expressions like ‘dog’ remarks.


Loosing two of its people in Mumbai carnage; Ranchi has the reason to be anguished over the inept handling of the internal security of the country people in Ranchi drip with glee when they receive SMS telling story about politicians facing humiliation at the hand of the family of martyrs. It is the part of citizens’ movement against politicians that exploded and snowballed into a major challenge for the politicians.

Here people have been receiving such SMSs searching for MNS Chief, Raj Thackeray: “Plz. forward Raj Thackeray’s phone no if U find it. Don’t know where he is when U need him. We want him to save amchi Mumbai along with MNS goondas. “THE” son of soil. Army, NSG commandos are not Marathi Manoos…why should they lay their life for Mumbaikars…”


“I received an SMS by an anonymous sender-’for the first time, I am not proud to be Indian.’ I did not know the sender but I respected his sentiment by forwarding this text message to my father”, said Rashmi Priya a school going girl.


A recent edition in this SMS campaign is the multimedia message- the grieving Moshe Holtzberge, the two-year old orphan who lost his parents in the Nariman House attack.


One such message had drawn crowds on the streets of Colaba in Mumbai to pay homage to the martyred NSG jawans and security personals. In Ranchi another such SMS flashed on the mobile screen: “Let’s get together and show solidarity n support 4 innocent lives n in hope dat this gets over for ever plz. put a candle in their memory.”


The surge of humanity could be seen with candle in their hand in Ranchi with their lips mumbling in the prayer of the innocent lives and chest blew up for the valour of the security personals.

Where is UPA Steering Committee in Jharkhand, leaders search answer

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Wednesday, December 3, 2008


After the exit of Madhu Koda and successive installation of the JMM chief, Shibu Soren as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, the UPA Steering Committee is lying defunct with the two major questions still waiting for a suitable reply- who is the Chairperson of the committee and who actually holds the key to it.


However Koda who was forced to make way for Soren in the month of August was designated as its chairperson but no official version or notification have come so far.

After persuading Koda to step down as the Chief Minister with a promise that he would be made the chairperson of the steering committee the central UPA leaders have forgotten the promise once Soren became the Chief Minister. Sources close to Koda said that the former wanted a notification by the chief minister in this regard. Koda also wants to emulate Sonia Gandhi who also co ordinates with the cabinet ministers, sources said.

But who will issue notification in this regard, the UPA leadership seems be fudging over the issue. Accepting that the committee should have been formed by this time, the deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi said: "It is up to the central UPA high command or the UPA in-charge of the state who can 'probably' issue such notification." However, the UPA allies decided in their meeting to anoint Koda as the chairperson, Marandi added.

Not Koda alone even some of the (former) members of the committee are confused whether they were still the member of the committee.

Talking about this, one of the members of the committee and Congress MLA Sukhdeo Bhagat said: "We have not been informed about our locus standi in the committee. Neither any notification in this regard has been issued so far nor has any meeting of the committee been convened to take stock of the performance and the achievement of the government." Annapurna Devi, the RJD MLA expressed the same: "I do not know where steering committee is? And also I can not say that I am still its member."

It should be noted that the Congress agreed to extend support to Soren on two conditions- the government would follow the common minimum programme of the UPA and secondly the UPA steering committee would work as a supreme body to supervise the functioning and implementation of the projects by the government. "The condition is yet to be fulfilled", said a senior Congress leader.

The Rastriya Janta Dal (RJD) has demanded the steering committee must be reconstituted in the state. RJD president Gautamsagar Rana blamed that the committee has been rendered useless.

Even Soren who officiated as the chairperson before he was sworn in as the chief minister is learnt not in the mood to pass rein to Koda fearing that the latter who is still nourishing wound might use the leverage to put his government on tenterhooks

After the swearing in ceremony of Soren the UPA convened two such meetings which were marked with conspicuous absence of Koda. Now it is Soren who chairs such meetings and not Koda.

His absence became more glaring during 8th Statehood Foundation Day of Jharkhand on November 15. Although his name figured prominently as the chairperson of the UPA in the invitation card meant for the programme.

Now Koda is left to repeat the word his predecessor Soren who once fumed for not being accorded importance as the chairperson of steering committee:

"I am a blind and helpless watchman of the government without any power."

Intelligence failed to prevent terror attacks: Paswan

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Saturday, November 29, 2008



In the wake of the terror attack in Mumbai, the Union Minister of Steel and president of Lok Janshakti Party, Ramvilas Paswan admitted to the failure of the intelligence agencies in preventing terror attacks.

Addressing a rally on the 8th foundation day of LJP at Morhabadi ground in the State capital on Friday, Paswan advocated for the need to strengthen the federal structure and federal policing.

He said such terror strikes could be stopped only after the State Governments and the Central Government resolve to fight the menace together.

"After 9/11, no terror strike could take place in America, as the country restructured its federal policy and formulated a joint mechanism to weed out the tentacles of terrorism from its soil," he added.

Defending the Central Government in the wake of the terror attack, Paswan said: "Often the State Governments play safe by putting the onus of terror strike on the Central Government… but the State Governments cry foul when the Central Government tries to reason out with these Governments on security issues."

The Minister also paid homage to Malayesh Banerjee and Prakash Mandal of Jharkhand who lost their lives at the hand of terrorists in Mumbai and condemned the terror attack. But he appealed to the people and political parties not to adopt dual policy over terrorism.

Making a direct attack on BJP for branding terrorism, Paswan said: "BJP raises a hue and cry about terrorism only when the terrorists are non-Hindus. It is now shielding accused persons of Malegaon blast, who happen to be mostly Hindus."

"I cannot say that they are BJP men but Malegaon blast has a link with the party and its 'transmitter RSS'," he added.

Paswan, who was in the State to expand the political bandwidth of the party in Jharkhand, reiterated that only LJP was able to deliver good governance.

Hoping that the Assembly elections in five States would enable the party to gain reorganisation as a national party from the Election Commission, Paswan remarked: "LJP has taken major political stride and gained recognition and support of the people in different parts of the country… and we will rule the politics after 20 years."

Soren still in a fix; Tundi appears viable option

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Friday, November 28, 2008

Till now JMM chief Shibu Soren has kept his UPA counterparts and Opposition NDA guessing about his probable constituency from where he would like to enter in the State Assembly. Guruji is thinking of some other constituency to contest from. However, it is neither Tamar where the by-election would be held on December 29, nor Jamtara where the suspended BJP MLA Vishnu Bhaiya offered to vacate his seat for the smooth passage of Soren into the Assembly.

Well-placed sources in the JMM said that Soren might choose Tundi constituency currently represented by JMM legislator Mathura Prasad Mahto. The era of speculation prevailing from the last three months about the probable constituency of Soren would end within a couple of days. On last Wednesday, Soren while interacting with the media had said: “I will speak to the media after a few days.” Not stating clearly, he hinted that Tamar might not be in his list from where he could contest.

Going by his own statements, Soren is left with Jamtara to seek election. But “Jamtara or no Jamtara”, Soren cannot decide it alone as the State Congress would not like to give away its traditional seat. The sources in the Congress said that the party might not support if Soren wishes to contest from Jamtara. “He is a tribal leader and he should contest from Tamar rather from Jamtara,” said a senior Congress leader.

But amid this confusion, the State BJP is left with a daunting task ahead: Who will take on the JMM stalwart Shibu Soren if he wishes to contest election from Jamtara. The party is left with no stalwart within its fold who could at least throw a decent contest to Soren.

Monitoring the move of the JMM and its own suspended party MLA, the BJP has not yet decided the name. But well-placed party sources said that the party was likely to field Tarun Gupta, president BJP Jamtara. Meanwhile, the suspended BJP MLA hinted that he was likely to resign from his seat any time in favour of Soren. The BJP will be left with the task to save its seat which it had won by a margin of 3,991 votes.

Wished not to be quoted, a senior party leader accepted that the party had no such popular figure to throw challenge to Soren. Hence the party fielding a candidate against Soren would be nothing but a mere ceremony. Refusing the contention, the party lacked leaders of the stature of Soren, the president of the State BJP, Pashupati Nath Singh, said: “Personality might be a matter but it cannot overshadow the ideology and party principles. The BJP has no such problems of candidates, let Soren decide his constituency first.”

Morality no ground to resign: Soren

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Thursday, November 27, 2008

Emerging out of the meeting of the State working committee of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), JMM chief Shibu Soren on Wednesday declined to seek resignation of two ministers of the State Cabinet — Ainosh Ekka and Harinarayan Rai — against whom two days back a special vigilance court directed to file cases in connection with disproportionate properties.

When asked whether or not he (Soren) would seek resignation of the ministers on morality ground and also to ensure an impartial inquiry into their disproportionate properties, Soren shielded his ministers by saying he would not take any decision unless he goes through the documents.

"Morality cannot be a ground for tendering or asking resignation…morality has no place in the politics. I will not recommend any CBI inquiry against them," Soren thus clarified his stand while answering to some of the pointed question. But he refused to react about other ministers who were facing similar charges in the court by calling it sub-judice.

Opening a front against the Left Front Government in West Bengal for committing atrocities against tribals and the original inhabitants, the working committee decided to hold a protest rally at Shahid Minar in Kolkata on January 20. It also decided to submit a memorandum against the West Bengal Government.

He reacted over the remarks of his West Bengal counterpart Budhadeo Bhattacharya, who alleged the tribals affiliated with the JMM in the West Bengal had association with the Maoist groups and they wanted to create terror in the State.

Shibu said: "As the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, I dismiss this allegation as baseless, even an autocratic setup cannot speak and behave in the manner chosen by him against the people." He said the JMM was always against using such methods. Referring to the political resolution passed in this respect, he termed the West Bengal Government synonymous to gundaraj (the rule of goons) and asserted that the party would expand its base in the West Bengal. It would begin with the meeting of the working committee meeting of the JMM on December 20 at Purulia.

Coming out with a decision to expand its political bandwidth in the south India, the JMM decided to fight election in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Kerla, and Tamil Nadu. It is also mulling for the same in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The party would hold campaign to highlight the developmental works done by the party from the next Monday. Besides it, the party would constitute the booth committees in view of the next general elections.

LS seat-sharing: BJP not ready to keep JD(U) in good humour

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Let the Janata Dal United go it alone in Jharkhand and fight the forthcoming general elections, the State BJP would not like to share (so many) seats with its junior ally which has demanded six parliamentary seats from the BJP, well-placed sources in the State BJP said.
After State UPA allies which entered into a virtual slang match with each other to stake claims over seats a month back, now it is the turn of the NDA allies to pick the trail, although the tussle is by-polar.

The JD(U) has claimed stake over Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, Giridiha, Chatra, Palamu and Godda. The BJP is not amused as its junior partner is claiming Hazaribagh constituency where the BJP wants to field its national vice president Yaswant Sinha.

Appearing determined to repeat what JD(U) did during the last Lok Sabha elections when it fielded its candidate in five parliamentary constituencies after the BJP refused to spare any seat for its junior ally, the president of State JD(U) said: "We respect BJP as our big brother and senior partner…but they should not dictate the terms as such."

Stating further Mahto added that JD(U) might not hesitate to field its candidates if nothing definite comes from the side of BJP. While both the parties tried to place the onus of seat sharing on the high command of party but the leaders of both the parties continue to harp disharmonious tones.

Although the sources in JD(U) confided that the party was adopting a pressure tactic to get at least two seats but Mahto who rejected it outright said: "The party wants not less than six seats as per the decision taken by the working committee and it would be least concerned about the probable damage that the NDA might face in the forthcoming LS election if JD (U) indeed decides to take on the BJP in a friendly contest for the above six parliamentary constituencies." In the last general elections when the JD(U) contested five seats on its own besides the BJP contesting all the seats- the NDA could not open its account in Jharkhand.

Reacting over the demands of the JD(U), the president of state BJP Pashupati Nath Singh said the decision and any comment in this regard could be taken only by the national president of the party and its prime ministerial candidate LK Advani. The State BJP had no role in it, he added. But with in the BJP the sources said that the party was firm in its decision not to leave any seat for the JD(U). BJP has already submitted the recommendation list of the party candidates for all 14 parliamentary seats.

Referring to 'Raisumari', undertaken by the Organizational Secretary of Central BJP Ramlal in the month of June to obtain the view of party workers about candidates was as an indication that the Central BJP would hardly party workers regarding candidates that the central high command of the party would hardly keep JD (U) in good humour.

Even Congress wants Governor to go

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi February 7, 2009


In the weeks gone—after the imposition of the President’s rule it has become apparent that Governor Syed Sibte Razi and the leaders of the state Congress, haven’t been on the same page over several issue.

In a recently sent memorandum submitted to the AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, the State Congress leveled specific number of charges against Razi and demanded his immediate removal.

The news will please the NDA, even though the opposing alliances have been on the war of words. But, both share similar demand—the governor must go—the BJP wants to execute it through agitation while the Congress through memorandum.

The leaders of the state Congress have been strictly directed not make any official or unofficial visit to governor or to participate in any of the programmes of the governor without the prior permission of the party.

“Failing which the party would take disciplinary actions”, a senior party leader quoted this portion of this vocal directive of the party.

Last week, the state Congress served notice on two of its media in-charge—Alok Kumar Dubey and Pradeep Tulsayan for their meeting with the Governor.

Knowing well that their complaints are seldom taken seriously by the top rung of the central leaders of the party and their clamours turn into whisper the Congressmen from the state have decided to raise the matter with the party President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on coming Tuesday.
Sonia Gandhi and the AICC General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi would meet the chiefs of District and Block Congress Committees of Jharkhand in New Delhi on February 9.

In this one page memorandum signed by the office in-charge of the State Congress Madan Mohan Sharma, the party termed the governor as pro-BJP and his further continuation in the office would damage the poll prospect of the Congress.

Confirming this, well-placed sources in the party said that in the memorandum Razi has been accused off being more caring to the BJP in the appointments of the key posts and ignoring even the genuine points/ demands of the Congress MPs and MLAs.
The memorandum has been substantiated with the recent transfer and posting for the key post, executed by Razi after the imposition of the President’s rule in Jharkhand.
The appointment of the senior police cop Amitabh Chaudhary as the special secretary (Home) worsened the current stand off. Questioning the wisdom behind appointing a (pro-BJP) bureaucrat the party wanted to know how come the Congress will fight the general election and hope to retain its respective tally in Jharkhand in an administrative set-up guided and controlled by a known BJP man.

The decision surprised most of the Congress leaders as the state BJP is seriously considering fielding Chaudhary as BJP candidate from Jamshedpur in the forth coming general election.
In the memorandum Razi has been accused off putting on saffron glasses while appointing the vice chancellors of the university. Speaking on this a senior party leader blamed: “Most of these newly appointed vice chancellors are associated with the NDA…It is the saffronisation of the educational institutes”.

Congress leaders are peeved at the recent administrative reshuffle. The party is in hurry to place its own chosen set of bureaucrats for the key post before the election but Razi hardly entertained them.

Commented a senior party leader and MLA: “However Razi is a known Congress cadre but he is allergic to the Congress…hostile is a fit word.”

However, the Congress comes with official denial but still facts remain that some six months back the same Congress leaders had sent memorandum against Razi to the senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot.

This memorandum is the redo copy of the last one—yet allegations are still fresh and serious.

Namdhari whose darling

BJP, JD(U) try to rope in Namdhari for LS poll

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Monday, November 24, 2008

Two of the NDA allies in Jharkhand — the BJP and the JDU — are trying to rope in the independent MLA from Daltongang, Inder Singh Namdhari, in their party fold, and both parties want to field him from Chatra parliamentary constituency for the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.

Well-placed sources in the BJP revealed that the name of Namdhari has already figured as party candidate from Chatra in the list of the party candidates that the Jharkhand BJP sent to its Central high command for final approval.

The speculation of JD(U) too willing to net in Namdhari in its fold gained ground after the meting of the working committee of State JD(U) where party demanded six parliamentary seats from BJP to contest next LS poll which included Chatra also. Commenting over it, a senior party leader said that JD(U) was willing to field Namdhari from Chatra provided the erstwhile party leader makes his comeback in the party.

Interestingly for both the parties, Namdhari is a sure sort candidate who could manage electoral victory of party. However, Namdhari, who was recently selected as the best MLA on the 8th foundation year of Jharkhand Assembly did not disclose the future course of his action. Talking to The Pioneer correspondent, Namdhari said: "I will disclose this thing after two months whether I will be a BJP candidate or will go with JD(U)."

Will Namdhari move to JD(U), the party that he left in the past? The sources close to him said that Namdhari had some parley over this issue with the central leadership of the JD(U).Sources confided that he was not willing to move in JD(U) fold even though the central leadership of JD(U) wants him to take rein of the party during the next LS elections.

BJP would be a safe option for Namdhari than JD(U) at a time when BJP is not willing to share seat with JD(U) for the next general elections.Trying to put a lid over the speculation of Namdhari's re-entry in the party and he becoming a party candidate from Chatra, JD(U) State president Jaleswar Mahto said: "This is not in my knowledge whether party is trying for his comeback or not… to the best of my knowledge, we have not discussed his candidature and any proposal as such." He further said that party had a lot of good candidates from Chatra.

Music, dance echo Assembly Day

Vijay Deo Jha RanchiSaturday, November 22, 2008

Music and dance had a perfect date with audience on the sprawling campus of Jharkhand State Assembly on the eve of the 8th foundation year of the House. It was also a rare occasion; leaders of the State, general public spent their time with artistes while enjoying soft and soothing melodies out of the hustle bustle of the politics.

The programme which continued till late in the night, the tribal culture of Jharkhand was its best display. The artist and dancing groups who flocked here presented the tribal dance such as Mardraj Thumar. This dance which is mainly performed by male narrated the martial tradition of the Jharkhand tribals and their struggle for imperial subjugation.

Swaying and gyrating on the leitmotif of flutes and high drum-beats the troupe gave a vivid picture of the tribal life.

It was time of another tribal dance, Chhau where the performer with swift acrobatic movement of their body got the laurel. Narrating the mythical war between Goddess Durga and demon, the artistes gave the audience a chance to feel the tribal ethnicity from a close quarter.

The State Government had specially invited the noted exponent of Indian music such as Jaiprakash Churasia, the finalist of TV show 'SAREGAMA' Poonam Yadav, Amit Sana of Indian Idol, noted gazal singer Chand Raja and Puja Chhtarjee to give a live performance the commemorate the occasion.

The pandal was jam-packed with audience who could be seen firmly placed in their seats, were waiting for a night of gazal. Gazals make its impact in its late night performance. The cherished moment came with a soft note of Chand Raja Ham tere sahar me aaye hai musafir ki tarah, sirf ikbaar mulakat ka mauka de do with which the night of gazal started.

Governor Syed Sibte Razi, Chief Minister Shibu Soren along with ministers and officials of the State Government were present during the programme.

Jharkhand JD(U) to ask 6 LS seats from BJP

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Friday, November 21, 2008

Janta Dal United would lay claim over at least six parliamentary constituencies in Jharkhand for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

It is likely to be discussed in the meeting of its working committee scheduled to be held on Friday in Ranchi. It is despite the fact NDA faced fiasco in Jharkhand in the last general elections, when both the parties fought elections separately JD(U) is learnt to have made up its mind to contest elections. It would be decided by the central leadership of NDA after assembly elections in five states.

Even though the State BJP has made its intention known to contest all the parliamentary seats leaving no constituency for JDU, it would claim for that, the sources in the party said. The party is likely to claim over Dhanbad, Giridiha, Chatra, Palamu, Khunti and Godda where it wants to field its candidates during the forthcoming general elections.

One should remember the seat sharing exercise between BJP and JDU during the last general elections when BJP declined to leave seats for JDU. It led to a friendly contest between BJP and JDU in six five parliamentary constituencies including Giridiha, Chatra, Palamu, Godda and Khunti. Well-placed sources in the party said: "JDU would at least stake claim over Dhanbad and Chatra even knowing in advance that big brother, BJP would hardly entertain the claim."

Mahto might six out of 13 constituencies in Jharkhand there are the voices within the party which find fault stating that with five MLAs in the State Assembly including Ramesh singh Munda who died this year the claim holds little water.

Mahto is more interested in Dhanbad as he has been nourishing a political ambition to enter into the corridor of Parliament as an MP besides Chatra the party hopes to field the erstwhile party MLA and stalwart Indersingh Namdhari. Namdhari is also in the wish list of BJP- the party also mulling to adopt him party fold.

As far as the claim of the party for Giridiha constituency is concerned it has still to find a suitable candidate to take on Teklal Mahto of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. The working meet is slated to discuss the strategy of the party during the elections and might take some major decisions to strengthen the party.

This Lakra siblings

Chak De spirit chugs off Lakra siblings of Jharkhand

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Monday, November 17, 2008

The Lakra siblings of Jharkhand have a unique distinction in the field of hockey. The fact might surprise many as surname has until now produced four international hockey players - Bimal Lakra, Birendra Lakra, Asanti Lakra and the eldest Binay Lakra, who have played for India at various levels.

It was a sheer coincidence that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) spotted this pool of talent during a Khassi (goat) tribal hockey tournament at Simdega, where they were playing the tournament with bamboo sticks. But, skilful dribbling, smart manoeuvring, dodging and killing spirit instantly won the attention for them.

They got persistent training in SAI and developed their skill which made them competent enough to represent the country. Bimal and Birendra have been playing for India's senior team, Asanti is a member of the women's team while Binay has participated in Asian school tournament from the country.

Birendra was the centre-half of the team, which however ended up as runner up in the Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament in Malaysia. This lanky star, however, rued the fact that despite winning laurels for the country, hockey associations have remained negligent. "We are playing for the country but we remain incognito…we still trying to get attention," Birendra said.

"No, Government cannot be blamed for this but, the associations' officials as when I returned from Malaysia no one was there to receive me at the airport," said this 23-year-old star who studies in Gossner College.

Birendra is one of the tribal talents who initially thought that playing hockey would earn him a job. And his perseverance has not only found him an India cap but an employment in the Indian Airlines as well. His brother Bimal Lakra won the country Asia Cup.

But Birendra is also not happy with the way team is selected. "Look at other teams like South Korea and Argentina which have been consistent with the same team for years. In fact, being part of the team for longer period allows a player to understand the strategy and one gets acclimatised with other team players as well which is necessary for a good team composition," he opined. Birendra will be leaving for Bengaluru on June 10 to join the camp ahead of a series with Russia.

His sister Asanti reckons their achievement would inspire budding talents of the state. But, the fact of the matter is that, in gifted Lakras, still many year of Hockey is left there and they need to be propped up for more international exposures. Is any body there to listen to them in post-Gill fiasco?

Congress in a fix on how to encash NREGA

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Thursday, November 20, 2008

The grand old party, Congress, which in view of the forthcoming general elections moved into electoral exercise in all over India and Jharkhand too, feels that out of many programmes at least two programmes initiated by the party- National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and Panchyati Raj institution, would pay a good electoral dividends.

But situation is somewhat different in Jharkhand where the party feels it would be difficult to project NREGA as an achievement of the party, courtesy to rampant corruption in NREGA during the regime of erstwhile Madhu Koda as Chief Minister.

Even the senior leaders of the party accepted this fact in their private discourse that party failed to make a dent on the political dispensation of the State to check corruption in NREGA project. It even failed to deter the Government even though the State Congress had launched a series of stir against the State Government where in-charge State Congress Ajay Maken threatened to pull down the Government on this issue.

The party MLA Niel Tirkey said on this, "We are in a vulnerable situation as the performance of NREGA is quite dismal. Even today the party is not happy with the present UPA Government in Jharkhand which has not taken corrective measures to stop corruption in NREGA." The party has nothing to showcase about NREGA, he added.

The issue was repeatedly discussed at the party forum where it felt that it was difficult for the party to distance itself from the omission and commission of the past Government on NREGA since the Government was running due to the support of the party.

Now the party has adopted a different strategy to come out of this as party has decided to start a number of programmes to galvanize the public opinion in favour of NREGA. It would organise workers' rally in Palamu division on December 6-7.

The party has announced a set of programme - 'Rajiv Gandhi Panchyatiraj Sangathan' which is scheduled to be held on November 29. The sources said that the programme would focus upon the importance of NREGA.

Congress spokesperson Alok Kumar Dubey said, "We would try to make the people aware of the benefit of such programmes which unfortunately failed in Jharkhand."

The sources said that the party would not hesitate to raise hackle against the JMM if it fails to address the concern and interest of party on NREGA. In today's days development, the party appointed in-charge for 81 Assembly seats for the formation and coordination of women booth committees.

Raghuwar's combat

Das’ anti-MNS protest strokes discipline issue

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Saturday, November 15, 2008

BJP, the party with a difference, showed its difference again bringing once again the internal bickering of the party to fore in Jharkhand.

The protest march led by the firebrand BJP leader and Jamshedpur East MLA, Raguwar Das, on Wednesday before CM House over alleged silence of the State Government for not granting compensation to the family of deceased-- who lost their lives during MNS sponsored backlash in Maharashtra has sparked off a controversy.

A section of leaders backed by the bete-noire of Das blamed him for not informing the party and its president Pashupati Nath Singh before taking on such programmes and staged a demonstration at party office besides submitting a memorandum against Das demanding disciplinary actions against the MLA.

Adding fuel to the fire, PN Singh while interacting with the media on that day declined that Das ever informed the party about his decision to hold such a programme.

Now Das has come forward to counter the claim of Singh. While terming it flippant, Das said: "I had made my intention clear on October 31 at a Press conference and informed the party president accordingly." He even claimed that Leader of Opposition Arjun Munda was also informed about this.

Speaking further Das claimed to have informed the party president during Diwali meet of the party workers in Dhanbad which was "attended by former MP Rita Verma, Ashoka Mandal and thousands of party workers besides Singh, who also took part in it."

"I tried to contact the State BJP president on his mobile and ultimately requested his personal secretary to inform Singh about my programme hence he can not feign ignorance about this," Das buttressed his stand. Daring his opponent to seek his head, Das further said: "If raising issues of public importance is the violation of party discipline...than I am ready to face the axe, let others go to public and justify this."

However, now Singh has adopted a different posture on this and refused to comment calling it "an internal matter of the party and it unbecoming for a party president to breach discipline."

Requesting the media not to make a mountain out of mole and refrain from pursuing this matter further, Singh said: "I do not know what media wants? This is an internal matter of the party and I would not disclose whether the party was informed about the programme or not...I am not obliged to inform the Press about this."

Speaker reserves verdict on suspended MLA’s disqualification

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Thursday, November 13, 2008

On Wednesday, the Speaker of Assembly, Alamgir Alam, reserved the order on the disqualification of suspended BJP MLA Pradeep Yadav, after hearing arguments of petitioner and defendent.

Seeking disqualification of Yadav from the membership of the Assembly, the leader of Opposition in the Assembly Arjun Munda had a filed petition to the Speaker contending that the MLA violated 10th Schedule of the Constitution.

Presenting the case through his counsels; Munda alleged that Yadav joined the delegation of Jharkhand Vikash Morcha led by Babulal Marandi and met with the Governor during the political crisis in Jharkhand- a ground sufficient for his disqualification.

Adding further Munda said that in past Yadav shared dais with Marandi and campaigned against BJP candidates during a couple of by-elections in Jharkhand.In its original petition Munda had also cited instances when the suspended party MLA campaigned against BJP candidate during some of the by-elections in Jharkhand.

Dismissing the contention raised by the petitioner, the counsel of Yadav said that Yadav in no way flouted the party line by joining JVM delegation and demanding President's rule in the State. The reason he stated that since BJP delegation also raised same demand. About the association of Yadav the counsels explained: “My client never said that he is no more a member of BJP, ‘technically’, he is still a member and there is no proof to suggest that he has joined JVM.”

Contending further the defense lawyer said that the newspaper reports could not form the basis to pronounce judgment. The Speaker asked both the parties to submit the supporting materials if they have any.Later on talking to the media Yadav said, “Munda is trying to save JMM Government by seeking disqualifications of the MLAs who opposed the installation of Shibu Soren as Chief Minister… he wants JMM to complete its full term and he choose the best occasion and method to weaken the opposition by seeking our disqualification.”

Although Yadav accepted his association with Marandi and said, “I had been with Marandi and would remain with him…I repeat this again. I will fight the next election together with JVM.” Munda who declined to comment over the proceeding terming the matter as sub-judice however said: “We have urged the Speaker to take decision based on his conscience and available facts which are self explanatory. The Speaker should take the decision under the light of 10th Schedule of the Constitution and the letter and spirit of the Anti Defection Law must be honoured.” On the sideline of the hearing media men asked the Speaker whether he would entertain the reports of the newspaper submitted by BJP as evidence against Yadav.

Alam said that he would minutely study such news items before writing a final judgment. In the context of the decision taken by the Speaker of Hariyan State Assembly where in a suo-moto decision the Speaker disqualified an MLA for joining a delegation of other party- the media men asked Alam whether he found any similarity in both the cases.

UPA leaders fear ESMA threat may boomerang

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Even UPA allies in Jharkhand are not happy with the way State Human Resources Minister Bandhu Tirkey threatened to impose the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against agitating para-teachers.

They fear that if the impasse continues it would damage the poll prospect of the UPA in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

On Monday, UPA leaders asked Chief Minister Shibu Soren to intervene in the matter and demanded that the minister must be restrained from issuing provocative statements. The conversation took place during griha pravesh ceremony of Soren.

A day back, the minister warned agitating para-teachers to either resume their work by November 15 or be ready to face music which might result into the termination of their service.

The prominent leaders of the UPA including the Union Minister of State of Food and Processing Industries, Subodh Kant Sahay, RJD MLA Girinath Singh and some others asked Soren to resolve the deadlock before it could trigger off a major casualty for UPA in the forth coming general elections. Soren is learnt to have assured UPA leaders to take up this matter.

Well-placed sources said that these leaders asked Soren to accept the genuine demands of the para-teachers on the basis of the recommendations made by the Girinath Singh Committee, which recommended a hike of Rs 3,800, Rs 4,500 and Rs 5,100 respectively for the para-teachers.

The sources also confided that Sahay not only criticised the Minister for adopting tough posture against the teacher but also called it unbecoming. A senior Congress leader and MLA said on the condition of anonymity that UPA allies were worried over the deadlock and the minister was yet to realize that the opposition would loose no time to make it poll plank to baulk UPA during elections.

Their fear is not unfounded as teachers who have the maximum deployment during poll can turn the apple cart of UPA. Jharkhand Congress is more aware of this fact as one of its prominent leaders lost election in the past for locking horns with the teachers of the State.

Meanwhile at a Press conference on Tuesday, the Para-Teachers Association demanded the minister to withdraw his statement about imposing ESMA. Terming Tirkey unfit to hold such a ministry of crucial importance, Kalim Javed, secretary of the organisation affirmed to continue the fight in democratic way.

He also appealed Soren to intervene in the matter and regularize the service of para-teachers and accept the recommendations as per the report of Girinath Singh Committee.

‘MNS violence under control in Maharashtra’

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi RANCHI Monday, November 10, 2008

The State and Central Governments have taken all measures to control MNS-sponsored violence in Maharashtra," said AICC secretary and State Congress in-charge Abdul Mannan. Mannan faced some prickly moments while clarifying party’s stand on MNS issue and the strings of terror attack in the country. But he parried several curt questions on how MNS chief was allowed to hold a Press conference when he was under custody. Mannan blamed Shiv Sena and RSS for atrocities against north Indians and credited the Centre for taking stern action against MNS activities. But he was left with no answer when he was reminded of the media report that said the Maharashtra Chief Minister refused to take action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray even after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh categorically wanted it. While referring to alleged involvement of Pragya Singh Thakur in Malegaon blast, Mannan cautioned that Hindu right wings were spreading its tentacles spelling bad omen for the country. While searching for a suitable answer about what stops the Centre from hanging Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, he said, "His petition for clemency is lying with the President and the Centre has no role in it." Home Minister Shivraj Patil also reminded him of the inept handling of the security issue that he preferred not to answer. Media also wanted to know party’s stand on the current spate of transfer and posting in the State and reminded him of MP Sushila Kerketta’s demand who wanted specific officers to be posted in her area. Both the leaders however termed it the personal choice of the leader but offered no reaction over transfer and posting issue.

‘MNS violence under control in Maharashtra’

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi RANCHI Monday, November 10, 2008

The State and Central Governments have taken all measures to control MNS-sponsored violence in Maharashtra," said AICC secretary and State Congress in-charge Abdul Mannan. Mannan faced some prickly moments while clarifying party’s stand on MNS issue and the strings of terror attack in the country. But he parried several curt questions on how MNS chief was allowed to hold a Press conference when he was under custody. Mannan blamed Shiv Sena and RSS for atrocities against north Indians and credited the Centre for taking stern action against MNS activities. But he was left with no answer when he was reminded of the media report that said the Maharashtra Chief Minister refused to take action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray even after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh categorically wanted it. While referring to alleged involvement of Pragya Singh Thakur in Malegaon blast, Mannan cautioned that Hindu right wings were spreading its tentacles spelling bad omen for the country. While searching for a suitable answer about what stops the Centre from hanging Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, he said, "His petition for clemency is lying with the President and the Centre has no role in it." Home Minister Shivraj Patil also reminded him of the inept handling of the security issue that he preferred not to answer. Media also wanted to know party’s stand on the current spate of transfer and posting in the State and reminded him of MP Sushila Kerketta’s demand who wanted specific officers to be posted in her area. Both the leaders however termed it the personal choice of the leader but offered no reaction over transfer and posting issue.