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.

BJP bets on veteran Ajay Maru

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Monday, June 7, 2010

The BJP has pinned its hopes on its old horse Ajay Maru for the Rajya Sabha election in Jharkhand, knowing well that he can at most make the contest triangular — he has no chance to win the election.

The BJP Parliamentary Board after a brief meeting announced his candidature for the Rajya Sabha election on Sunday. “Maru will be the BJP candidate for the election to Rajya Sabha seat, scheduled to be held on June 17,” said State BJP spokesperson Sanjay Seth. At a time when the BJP miserably suffered a major shrink in recently held Assembly election having to console with only 18 seats, the party does not even think to give a decent fight to JMM and Congress-AJSU candidates — KD Singh and Dhiraj Sahu.

In another major development on Sunday, the Jharkhand Vikash Morcha finally agreed to lend support to the Congress candidate. Earlier, the JVM had threatened to field its candidate blaming their alliance partner, the Congress, for not taking it into confidence before the announcement of the Rajya Sabha candidate.

The day began with hectic political parleys after AICC incharge K Keshav Rao, along with other senior leaders like Pradeep Balmuchu, CLP leader Rajinder Singh, Radha Krishna Kishore and others, visited JVM chief Babulal Marandi at his residence.

Soon after the meeting, Rao announced Sahu as the joint candidate of the alliance and claimed: “Our alliance stands as a rock against the Opposition,” he said and added, “We trust each other because people trust us.” Promising to ensure better coordination between the alliance partners, Rao mooted the proposal to form a coordination committee. Sources in the Congress said that the party might offer Marandi to head the committee.

Marandi also talked about the need to forge better coordination and said that his party will support Sahu and said: “Sahu is the candidate of the alliance we will vote for him.”

The Congress after getting assurance from the JVM has now 25 votes in its hand and needs another three votes to win. Besides the support of lone MLA of Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch, Bandhu Tirkey, the party is looking for another two crucial votes.

The Congress displayed no sign of wariness as a senior Congress leader claimed that the party will get more than 28 votes. “At least one vote of the NDA will stray in the Congress side the day of the voting,” the leader indicated towards JD(U) MLA Raja Peter.

The JMM candidate, KD Singh, is comfortable in the fray; it is despite AJSU chief Sudesh Kumar Mahato airing his discontent in public over the choice. “I was in the favour of a local candidate. But they (JMM leaders) fielded KD Singh without consulting us,” Mahato said. On being asked whether he will carry his impression till the date of election, Mahato was not so resolute. “We will discuss this issue with the JMM. We don’t have enough number of MLAs to field our own candidate.”

The two seats of the Rajya Sabha are going to poll on June 17, for which nominations can be filed by June 7. Maru will file his nomination on Monday. One cannot rule out a surprise till last minute of the election. Money rules the game in the Rajya Sabha election in Jharkhand.

Three candidates left in RS poll race

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Tuesday, June 8, 2010

As the time to file nomination for two seats of the Rajya Sabha ended at 3 pm on Monday, three candidates remained in fray —- Ajay Maru (BJP), Dhiraj Sahu (Congress-JVM), and KD Singh of the JMM. Maru filed his nomination papers on Monday.

The election to the two seats will be held on June 17. The JMM-AJSU rattled over the selection of Kuwar Deep Singh. However, Singh got some relief after AJSU chief Sudesh Kumar Mahato finally announced to support the JMM candidate at a Press conference on Monday. The AJSU chief rued the decision of the JMM to field an outsider in the Rajya Sabha election, but finally Mahato conceded as a compulsion of the coalition dharma.

“We wished the JMM field a local candidate. We wanted a discussion among the coalition partners before agreeing to a name. It did not happen. But then AJSU is the alliance partner of the JMM. It is the part of our coalition dharma to support the JMM candidate,” Mahato said. He was flanked by four of his party MLAs.

The BJP, which expected that a last-time rupture in the JMM-AJSU alliance to force Mahato to drift towards the NDA, will have to knock some other houses for critical support of eight MLAs to win the seat. Ironically doors are not even ajar for the BJP.

The presence of the BJP has only made the battle triangular. While a candidate needs 28 votes of the first preference, the Congress-JVM and the JMM-AJSU candidates are very close to the number and require just three votes each, which may come from the independents. Even if the BJP and the JD(U), with 18 and two MLAs respectively, stands together they require another 10 votes of the first preference and it hardly appears feasible for Maru to win the race even if acts smartly to garner some votes of second preference. The BJP has instructed its MLAs not to cast the vote of second preference.

The RJD with five MLAs has maintained a tactical silence over its voting behaviour. “We have not decided our move so far. Let the picture become clear,” leader of the RJD legislative party Annapurna Devi said.

However, the RJD is divided over the choice: the Congress or the JMM. “If we are at loggerhead with the Congress in Bihar there is no point to join hands with them in Jharkhand,” a senior RJD leader said complaining Congress of step-motherly treatment.

Even the RJD is not clamouring in secular voices to support the Congress or the JMM either, as it used to echo for the formation of a secular government. Fact of the matter is that as a Congress leader said: “If Sahu has been in touch with the RJD MLAs then it is a different matter but the Congress leadership has not approached them. This time their support is not crucial for us as it happened last time.” There was unconfirmed swirl of rumours about the arrival of a NRI of Gujrati origin, NH Patel, who reportedly contacted the RJD and the AJSU for himself.

On the other hand, the JMM and its chief Shibu Soren continued to be a new story everyday. Soren maintained his unique distinction to change his stand over the projection and selection of the party candidate contradicting what he said publicly last day and even a few hours back.

For example, he projected and even announced the name of his lawyer Sanjeev Kumar as JMM candidate for the Rajya Sabha. The very next day he retracted it and termed it a mere proposal. JMM general secretary and Soren’s son Hemant Soren imported a business tycoon Kuwar Deep Singh as party candidate.

The day after his nomination Soren sprang surprise. “Who is KD Singh, I do not know him. I had not seen his face before. Hemant called me to accompany him (Singh) from New Delhi to Ranchi and I followed it. I was told that he is my doctor.”

Soren’s tom might make news but hardly serious. In the political circle it is widely believed that the JMM has been trying to lemon-off the maximum out of the purse of billionaire Singh. But, when politics and politicians of Jharkhand have date with such people during Rajya Sabha elections the weight of currency often under-weights ideological mooring.

Guv orders FIR against ex-chairman of JPSC

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Thursday, June 10, 2010

Governor MOH Farook on Wednesday directed State vigilance bureau to lodge an FIR against the then members and examination controller of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) for giving undue privilege to their close relatives and some others in the second State civil service examination. It includes the then Chairman of the JPSC, Dilip Prasad, and members —- Gopal Prasad Singh, Shanti Devi, Radha Krishna Nagesh and others.

With the direction of the Governor, 19 officials against whom the bureau has collected evidences have been attached with the Department of Personnel. Farook also directed the bureau to serve show-cause notices on them asking why their employment should not be terminated.

Among the tainted officials is Prashant Kumar Layak, the Dhalbhumgarh BDO of who was abducted and later released by the Maoists this year. Layak is stated to be the relative of JVM leader Pradeep Yadav. Radha Prem Kishore (DSP); Vinod Ram (Administrative service), younger brother of Shanti Devi; Mukesh Kumar (DSP). brother of AJSU chief

Sudesh Kumar Mahato; Kundan Kumar Singh (Finance service) and Rajnish Kumar (administrative service), both sons of Gopal Prasad Singh, are some other officials who have been taken to task.

Moushmi Nagesh (Finance service), daughter of Radha Govind Nagesh; Sangita Kumari (Finance service), relative of Dilip Prasad; Harishankar Barik (Administrative Service),Kumar Kujur, relative of a senior IPS officer, and Shivendra, relative of Gopal Singh, all from police service; Kanu Ram Nag, associated with former Chief Minister Arjun Munda; Prakash Kumar, Santosh Kumar Chaudhary, Kumari Gitanjali, Lal Manoj Nath Sahdeo and Hari Oraon all from administrative service, are those officials against whom proceedings will be started.

Directing to constitute a special team, the Governor has asked the bureau to complete the investigation within three months. In case the bureau requires manpower for investigation, the State Government asked it to appoint retired CBI officials on contract basis. Farook acted tough following the report of the investigation bureau indicating malpractices in the scrutiny of the examination copies of the candidates listed above. The bureau that has been investigating the case following the instruction of the State Government has scrutinised examination copies and the records of the interview of around 37 passed candidates. Taking a stern view against the report of irregularities in other examinations conducted by the JPSC, the Governor asked the bureau to form special team to investigate lectureship, Marketing Supervisor and Cooperative examination.

Earlier on April 13 this year, the Governor had ordered the suspension of former JPSC chairman Dilip Prasad. It should be noted that the advisory council of then Governor Syed Sibtey Razi on February 25, 2009 had recommended Prasad’s dismissal. Other JPSC members Gopal Prasad Singh and former member Radha Govind Singh Nagesh were also in the line of fire. The council had also requested President Pratibha Patil for a probe into their conducts and institution of criminal cases against them. Razi had acted following the complaints, including of irregularities in the appointment of 239 civil servants and 1,044 college teachers.

The University Grant Commission, following Jharkhand BET-NET Association’s complaints of irregularities in the appointment of college lectures, had requested the Governor to look into the allegation. There was no respite for the JPSC chairman after the next Governor, K Sankaranarayanan, on August 4, 2009 had given nod for vigilance inquiry against Prasad, Nagesh and Santi Devi.

Rules reshaped to accommodate politicians, JPSC members’ kin

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Friday, June 11, 2010

The result of lectureship examination 2007 conducted by the JPSC has revealed a massive scam, wherein, kin of panel’s members and politicians of the State have been selected en masse. Their selection is already under scanner of the State vigilance bureau.

Most of them are close relatives or the associates of the members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the powerful politicians of the State.

Around 200 of the selected 850 (approx) candidates are close associates or the relatives of the members of the JPSC or the politicians for whom law was twisted despite the directives of then acting chief justice SD Mukhopadhayay who asked the JPSC while hearing the case number WPS 1059/ 2006, to hold the examination under the guidelines of the University grant Commission and the Central University Act.

Former JPSC member Gopal Prasad Singh reaped maximum benefit by securing the success of around a dozen of his relatives and associates.

Learned justice had asked the JPSC to give preference to candidates having cleared National Eligibility Test and Bihar Eligibility Test. Showing thumbs to Court JPSC members in collusion with the vested interest formed Jharkhand Appointment Rules and conducted Jharkhand Eligibility Test to ensure easy entry of their close associates in the lectureship interview. Scam was in formative phase at that time.

“We will probe the matter once the investigation into irregularities in the results of the second civil service examination conducted by the JPSC is complete. But we will start working out the case any time after June 20. Special team is in the process to be formed to handle the case,” a senior official of the vigilance bureau said.

Take a look at the list of the close relatives of the then JPSC member Gopal Prasad Singh. Anil Kumar Singh, Tripurari Prasad Singh (brother-in-law), Jugnu Singh (daughter in law), Shankar Singh (brother), Rekha Singh (relative), Kundan Singh (son), Sailendra Singh (close friend), Piush Bala (wife of close friend), Juli (wife of Dinesh Singh) another close friend of Gopal, Ratna Jha, Indira Tiwari, Narendra Jha, Manish Dubey (family friend) etc are some of the beneficiaries of lectureship scam.

Among them Kundan has a very interesting case as he had not cleared his Master in Commerce before he was selected in the lectureship. It is a matter of investigation that how Kundan was allowed to appear in the interview. “A candidate is not allowed to appear for the interview without having Master degree. Lectureship examination was not free and fair,” said an official of the JPSC.

Another former JPSC member Shanti Kumari resorted to malpractice to favour her sister Kanti Kumari.

Take a look at the political beneficiaries and you will come to know as to why leaders are pretty silent over such a mega scam. Rajkumar, the close associate of former BJP Chief Minister is teaching history at SS Memorial College. Preoccupied with the political activity of Jharkhand, Rajkumar might not have got time to update his knowledge in history. Jajdish Lohara the close aide of former HRD Minister Bandhu Tirkey also teaches history.

Luck smiled on Satrudhan Pandey one time reporter covering Trikey and HRD also became the lecturer of history teaching in a college in Hazaribagh. Dhruvnarayan Singh brother of assembly speaker CP Singh is now the lecturer in Mathematics at Chas College Bokaro, Snehlata Murmu daughter of former HRD Minister Hemlal Murmu is another history in making as she teaches History in one of the primer college of Santhal Pargana SP College Dumka, Rozlina wife of younger brother of NCP leader and former Minister Kamlesh Kumar Singh teaches Psychology to the girls of Ranchi Women’s College. Dr Ajay Kumar Singh who is stated to be the brother of RJD leader Girinath Singh was appointed as the lecturer of Psychology with another RJD leader Ramchandra Chandravansi whose brother is among those influential few who became lecturer. Two of the relatives of the suspended IAS officer Avinash Kumar—his wife and sister-in-law as well—were fortunate few. One of them was selected in History.

History is a case study of mass irregularities. JPSC appointed 41 candidates against sanctioned 37 posts. The fact came to light after one Vina Dubey sought the details from the JPSC under Right to Information. The preliminary investigation has revealed that besides flouting several laws the JPSC flouted three percent mandatory reservation for physically handicapped.

“Most of them left study decades back. They became lecturers by dubious means. They will spoil whole generation because they are not meant for teaching. They should be removed,” said secretary of Jharkhand BET-NET Association who is fighting this battle. After the removal of Dilip Prasad in the wake of controversies AK Sengupta has been appointed as an acting chairman. He refused to comment over what happened in the past. He promised a fresh beginning. “Transpa-rent,” he said.