Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Non-political people guiding Gadkari, says Marandi
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
JVM chief Babulal Marandi sits calmly in his official bungalow with bifocals low on the ridge of his nose; bit quizzical about ‘his BJP’and ‘this BJP,’ the party he left some years back. He talked to The Pioneer on Thursday and the discourse soon meandered from current political impasse in Jharkhand and finally rammed the BJP house undecided over the fate of alliance and power sharing with the JMM.
“Dekhiye BJP matisunya ho gayi hai, (See BJP is mentally blank.)” Marandi questions the very wisdom of BJP national president Nitin Gadkari to announce withdrawal of support to the Shibu Soren Government only to take it back.
“Gadkariji is guided by non-political people, perhaps. There must be some non political persons around him who might have influenced him to change his mind. They could be anybody,” he does not name, “corporate honcho, his friends anybody.”
Not ready to subscribe the stated logic of the BJP to withhold the withdrawal of support to the Soren Government twice within two days in the past; Marandi argued that the BJP Parliamentary Board must have discussed pros and cons before taking such a decision.
Biggest part of the blame Marandi put on Gadkari. “I believe Gadkari must have some soft corners for those who influenced or persuaded him to change the decision of the party parliamentary board,” he said.
Marandi sounded BJP, the second largest party after the Congress, “Your decision will ruin the country and the party. If Gadkari can not think about his party he should at least think about the country.”
In 2003, when Marandi was with the BJP he had advised the party to sit in the Opposition rather to compromise to form Government. And after seven years Marandi believes the BJP has been repeating same mistake to stay in the power somehow and said that even if the BJP forms Government it will be short-lived bereft of the trust of the people.
“Soren offered unconditional apology after voting. But BJP was in hurry to announce withdrawal of support…later on it found it an opportunity to unseat Soren to grab power. Everybody knew Soren is not going to contest election…BJP could have got the CM post without loosing its face. Soren could have been convinced for a decent
departure,” Marandi said.
“Alas,” Marandi said, “everybody is pocking fun at Soren now,” as though he is paying tribute to end of Soren’s political life whom he considers the tallest tribal leader of Jharkhand.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/255812/Non-political-people-guiding-Gadka...
Non-political people guiding Gadkari, says Marandi
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
JVM chief Babulal Marandi sits calmly in his official bungalow with bifocals low on the ridge of his nose; bit quizzical about ‘his BJP’and ‘this BJP,’ the party he left some years back. He talked to The Pioneer on Thursday and the discourse soon meandered from current political impasse in Jharkhand and finally rammed the BJP house undecided over the fate of alliance and power sharing with the JMM.
“Dekhiye BJP matisunya ho gayi hai, (See BJP is mentally blank.)” Marandi questions the very wisdom of BJP national president Nitin Gadkari to announce withdrawal of support to the Shibu Soren Government only to take it back.
“Gadkariji is guided by non-political people, perhaps. There must be some non political persons around him who might have influenced him to change his mind. They could be anybody,” he does not name, “corporate honcho, his friends anybody.”
Not ready to subscribe the stated logic of the BJP to withhold the withdrawal of support to the Soren Government twice within two days in the past; Marandi argued that the BJP Parliamentary Board must have discussed pros and cons before taking such a decision.
Biggest part of the blame Marandi put on Gadkari. “I believe Gadkari must have some soft corners for those who influenced or persuaded him to change the decision of the party parliamentary board,” he said.
Marandi sounded BJP, the second largest party after the Congress, “Your decision will ruin the country and the party. If Gadkari can not think about his party he should at least think about the country.”
In 2003, when Marandi was with the BJP he had advised the party to sit in the Opposition rather to compromise to form Government. And after seven years Marandi believes the BJP has been repeating same mistake to stay in the power somehow and said that even if the BJP forms Government it will be short-lived bereft of the trust of the people.
“Soren offered unconditional apology after voting. But BJP was in hurry to announce withdrawal of support…later on it found it an opportunity to unseat Soren to grab power. Everybody knew Soren is not going to contest election…BJP could have got the CM post without loosing its face. Soren could have been convinced for a decent
departure,” Marandi said.
“Alas,” Marandi said, “everybody is pocking fun at Soren now,” as though he is paying tribute to end of Soren’s political life whom he considers the tallest tribal leader of Jharkhand.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/255812/Non-political-people-guiding-Gadka...
Friday, April 30, 2010
Soren sends apology letter to Gadkari, ready to accept BJP CM
BJP withholds withdrawal of support
Gadkari to take final decision, tribal CM favourable, says Hemant
Vijay Deo Jha
Ranchi
If it was not the breaking of the ice, it just got a crack. The BJP and the JMM stood on either side of it, hand still reaching out for a shake, the other still twisted in accusation, more or less in the fashion of an estranged couple nudged into another rapprochement bid.
After BJP Parliamentary Board’s decision of withdrawal of support to the Shibu Soren led government on Wednesday; the party cancelled its scheduled appointments with the Governor MOH Farook; twice on Thursday to hand over letter of withdrawal of support.
“The BJP has decided to withdraw support from the Shibu Soren government. Soren voted in the favour of the UPA government during cut motion in the parliament…it is politically immoral. However, we feel regret for terminating our scheduled appointment with the Governor because one of our ministers from the BJP Vaidyanath Ram has not come from New Delhi. All four ministers from NDA quota will resign simultaneously,” BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
But the best answer of the changed stance of the BJP perhaps rested in the apology letter sent by Soren to the BJP national president Nitin Gadkari where he reported to have expressed regret over his voting to the UPA, which was done by mistake.
Content of the letter was elaborately discussed during the core committee meeting of the BJP and party’s parliamentary board in New Delhi, which found nothing concrete except words of regret. The BJP was successful to pressurize the JMM chief and Chief Minister Shibu Soren to step down and allow the BJP to occupy the CM’s post.
The BJP sought yet another time to meet the Governor — 7pm — only to cancel it just few minutes before the schedule.
The BJP pressed two of its crisis managers — state BJP General Secretary Ganesh Mishra and Spokesperson Sanjay Seth — who delivered tailor-made statement behind second such cancellation. Both of them parried to answer any direct question or to say when the crisis will be over.
By this time Soren had made substantial correction in the letter sent earlier. Sources in the BJP said that Soren agreed to step-down as CM to enable the BJP to get CM post.
What Soren wrote to the BJP bosses was tactically indicated by his son Hemant Soren, who during a news conference on late evening, said that the JMM had agreed to handover the CMs post to the BJP.
“We have made our intention known. We want a stable government. Nitin Gadkari has to take a final decision. But in any case only a tribal should be the next CM,” Hemant said.
Sources in the BJP said that party’s national general secretary Arjun Munda and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Karia Munda are the front runners for the CM’s post. Though, former BJP national vice president Yashwant Sinha is also nourishing ambition for an assignment in the new set-up.
But a section of the JMM has been opposed to fresh political realignment with the BJP. JMM MLA Simon Marandi and Teklal Mahato spoke quite contrary against expression of regret of Hemant towards CM’s move during cut motion.
“It could be Hemant’s personal opinion. He is the son of Shibu Soren he is not the son of the JMM. Shibu Soren did right thing at the right time. We oppose any relation with the BJP,” they said.
In the last two days Hemant addressed two such press conferences to diffuse the crisis asking the BJP to tone down its temper. For a moment Hemant even strayed in the Congress camp for coalition in case the BJP refuses to withdraw from its stated point.
The Congress on its part best tried to net dissidents within the JMM and held crucial meeting with its JVM ally to search out of a very difficult possibility of a rainbow coalition consisting of the Congress, JMM, AJSU, JVM, RJD and independents.
But by late evening their move came to a cropper following stand taken by Hemant. AJSU which is the alliance partner in the Soren government also made it clear. “We are with the NDA. We want a stable government. The crisis will be diffused very soon,” deputy Chief Minister and AJSU Sudesh Mahato said at a press conference.
There are some more twists in the political drama ready to unfold in the coming days.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Man in picture is Dilip Prasad
Guv suspends JPSC chairman
Vijay Deo Jha/Rakesh Ranjan | Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Ranchi
In an unprecedented move, Jharkhand Governor MOH Farook suspended chairperson of Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Dilip Prasad on Tuesday using the power granted under Article 317 of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, AK Sengupta, member JPSC, has been asked to hold the additional charge. Raj Bhavan sources said that the Governor ordered his suspension after getting nod from the Union Home Ministry.
It may be noted here that the advisory council of then Governor Syed Sibtey Razi, on February 25, 2009, had recommended his dismissal along with JPSC members Gopal Prasad Singh and former member Radha Govind Singh Nagesh for alleged irregularities while conducting various recruitments by the JPSC.
The council had also requested President Pratibha Patil for ordering a probe into their conduct and institution of criminal cases against them.
Razi had acted following the complaints, including that of irregularities in the appointment of 239 civil servants and 1,044 college teachers. The University Grants Commission, following the complaints of irregularities lodged by Jharkhand BET-NET Association last year in the appointment of college lectures, had requested the Governor to look into the allegation.
The association had claimed that at least 37 candidates close to the members of the JPSC received undue favour. It approached the Jharkhand High Court and contended that they were unduly selected for positions in the civil services and State universities (as lecturers).
There was no respite for the JPSC chairman after the next Governor K Sankaranarayanan had on August 4, 2009 given nod for vigilance inquiry against Prasad, Nagesh and Santi Devi into the limited competitive examinations for the recruitment of 60 deputy collectors from among Government employees.
Though, Article 317 (1) of the Constitution has ensured that the charges of corruption against a member of the State public service commission can be probed only by a Supreme Court judge. A member can be penalised or removed only after the charges are found true by the inquiry commission. But the Governor has been vested with the right to suspend a member on the specific charges of irregularities.
Prasad was appointed as officiating chairman of JPSC on September 22, 2004, after former JPSC chairman PC Hembrom's term expired.
The Governor also promulgated the ordinance of Panchyat election and approved the Bill for the establishment of National Law School as passed during the Budget session of the State Assembly.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Centre, States should jointly fight Maoists, says Brinda
NATION
Centre, States should jointly fight Maoists, says Brinda
Vijay Deo Jha
Monday, April 12, 2010
CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat said here on Sunday that the fight against Maoists was a collective responsibility of the Centre and States.
But then she mildly pricked the wounds and PC’s proposed resignation over the massacre of 75 CRPF jawans by Maoist at Sukma in South Bastar. “Such things (uproar over the resignation of PC) are bound to happen since PC has been in the habit of alleging and passing the bucks on others,” she said.
Karat said this in the backdrop of PC’s comment on the West Bengal Chief Minister during his Lalgarh visit in the first week of April where the Home Minister had said that “the buck stops at the Chief Minister’s table when it comes to Naxal violence.”
PC was angrily criticised by Bhattacharjee and Basudeb Acharia for use of ‘slang’ like buck.
Stating that Naxalism is no more a State issue after it has spread its tentacles in other States, Karat advised PC to take the State Governments into confidence to weed out the red ultras. “States like Bihar and Jharkhand should be taken in confidence…we need to be unanimous,” she said.
Karat refused to believe in the theory of the so called sympathisers that Maoists were camping in forests to do welfare of the tribals. “No, they have made their base in the forests because it is geographically and strategically safe for them,” she said.
But she was quite concerned over Maoists drawing political support for their bloody battle. “Some political parties are supporting Maoists and getting their supports,” she said. Karat was probably echoing her West Bengal counterpart who had obliquely referred Union Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee and her party Trinamool Congress were hand in glove with the Maoists.
Centre, States should jointly fight Maoists, says Brinda
Vijay Deo Jha
Monday, April 12, 2010
CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat said here on Sunday that the fight against Maoists was a collective responsibility of the Centre and States.
But then she mildly pricked the wounds and PC’s proposed resignation over the massacre of 75 CRPF jawans by Maoist at Sukma in South Bastar. “Such things (uproar over the resignation of PC) are bound to happen since PC has been in the habit of alleging and passing the bucks on others,” she said.
Karat said this in the backdrop of PC’s comment on the West Bengal Chief Minister during his Lalgarh visit in the first week of April where the Home Minister had said that “the buck stops at the Chief Minister’s table when it comes to Naxal violence.”
PC was angrily criticised by Bhattacharjee and Basudeb Acharia for use of ‘slang’ like buck.
Stating that Naxalism is no more a State issue after it has spread its tentacles in other States, Karat advised PC to take the State Governments into confidence to weed out the red ultras. “States like Bihar and Jharkhand should be taken in confidence…we need to be unanimous,” she said.
Karat refused to believe in the theory of the so called sympathisers that Maoists were camping in forests to do welfare of the tribals. “No, they have made their base in the forests because it is geographically and strategically safe for them,” she said.
But she was quite concerned over Maoists drawing political support for their bloody battle. “Some political parties are supporting Maoists and getting their supports,” she said. Karat was probably echoing her West Bengal counterpart who had obliquely referred Union Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee and her party Trinamool Congress were hand in glove with the Maoists.
Hemant gets tips in politics from father
Vijay Deo Jha |
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ranchi
Father Shibu Soren would surely like to see his MLA son Hemant Soren to rise in politics and become the Chief Minister. But then, he reportedly suggested Hemant to graduate in politics before bracing up for such a long jump.
Even as Soren exerted his authority as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief, insiders of the Soren family confided, he rejected the notion of the risk involved in his decision to contest a by-election within six months, which is mandatory to retain the Chief Minister's post.
Soren reportedly said this in the presence of his family members, his close aides and few party leaders on Monday afternoon, just an hour before his scheduled meeting with his daughter-in-law Sita Soren, whose resignation from Jama Assembly constituency Soren desperately requires to contest the by-election.
Sharp at 3. 30 am Sita entered the CM's House for negotiations. Well-placed sources said that Soren has now taken a firm stand to contest the election and declared that he was physically fit to discharge his duties as the Chief Minister.
The meeting continued till late in the evening. Sita refused to speak about the outcome of the talks but said: “I understand my responsibility as the daughter-in-law…the only thing that I can say right now.”
There are chances that Sita may be accommodated as the chairperson of Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC). A close aide of Sita told The Pioneer that she sought Soren's assurance for a quid-pro-quo to leave Jama.
“They (Sita and Soren) talked to each other…hopefully she will vacate Jama within a few days to pave way for Soren to contest the by-election,” said the source.
But if there was news coming out of the CM's House it was the report of Soren's mild rebuff to swirling rumour of succession theory that goes on to project Hemant as the CM in waiting.
If Soren did not specifically mention anybody's name in this regard he reminded the selected audience inside his residence about four decades of his toil in the State politics.
Sources cited few advices that Soren tendered during the meeting like there is no shortcut to success. And there can not be an air dropped CM or Minister. “The man aspiring to achieve these must contest as many elections as possible, even at the panchayat level, and must be connected with the masses,” Soren reportedly said.
The result of Monday's meeting will be known in the coming days. But for the time being Soren delivered political sermon to those who want quick success in politics.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
BJP steals Cong’s sleep, inducts Dhoni’s brother into party
Vijay Deo Jha/Richa Ojha | Ranchi
Monday, April 20, 2009
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If not Mahendra Singh Dhoni aka Mahi, the Indian cricket team captain; then his brother Narendra Singh decided to do fielding on the fine-leg of political match to catch votes for the BJP team.
On Sunday, he joined the BJP along with his team mates-exactly 12 in number — in front of the BJP team captain Raghuwar Das. This general election, not less than IPL, the BJP chucked a googly at the Congress by bringing him to the BJP fold hoping the penumbra of his famed brother will help the party to get the votes of Dhoni fan followers.
Whether, this elder (Narendra) consulted his apolitical brother Dhoni before joining the BJP. The State media which remain on prowl to get Dhoni related stories and juicy spices lobbed this question quite naively.
Elder brother answered elderly. “I am adult and capable of taking my decision I do not need to consult anybody,” he proclaimed. The message must go to the South Africa, where, he is locked in another battle on a 22 yard long turf.
What inspired him to join the BJP? Is there any reason behind it? “The BJP’s ideology and commitment towards people and development inspired me to join the BJP” this new proselyte in politics sounded good when he quoted Bhookh, Bhaya evam Bhrasthar—the BJP slogan-which inspired him to join the BJP.
Visibly impressed with the BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani and Narendra Bhai Modi, Narendra advised: “We should follow the model of Gujrat in developing Jharkhand.”
The sources close to him said that Narendra, who had gone to hear another Narendra; Narendra Bhai Modi; week back, was impressed with the speech of this fire brand leader which ultimately resulted his joining the BJP.
But, right now he will campaign for the BJP candidate Ramtahal Chaudhary in Ranchi and has no aspiration other than that. “I have no aspiration to be an MLA or the MP. I want to work for the party…and in this election I will campaign for the party, wherever required,” Narendra told the mediapersons at the party headquarters.
The BJP insider told that the party will avail his service to campaign among the youths, who are often dyed-in-wool follower of Dhoni. However Mahi often gave a fine sleep to the politicians like the AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto and the BJP leader Arjun Munda, who must have prevailed upon him to join the politics.
But, father Pan Singh must be happy to find one his Mahi has been bringing the bags of laurel (even Election Commission proposed to anoint him as its brand ambassador) his another son has donned political cap.
Will Narendra ask his younger to come to country and cast his vote on April 23rd? If not Mahi than his close associates had raised objection over the later was not provided with the voter identity card-it is for reference sake.
Son shadow over Soren-Sita talks
Picture www.udayavani.com
Son shadow over Soren-Sita talks
Suporters blame Hemant for Sasur-bahu communication gap
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Close aides of Sita Soren have branded Hemant Soren as a noise in the communication channel between Chief Minister Shibu Soren aka Guruji and his daughter-in-law.
Language is no barrier for the CM to communicate with Sita. But then, lack of a direct communication channel, and if there was an indirect one, it often had too much of noises and outside interferences that often aggravated the controversy over Shibu Soren aka Guruji's proposed constituency to fight the election.
"In a typical family with strong belief in taboo and Purdah system no direct communication 'perhaps' actually took place between Sita and Shibu Soren in the last three months to convince her to resign from Jama Assembly seat," an insider of Soren family said.
"And if they ever tried to communicate they were prevented by some vested interests. Though Hemant Soren, Guruji's son, has made all sorts of pledges to vacate the Dumka seat for the Chief Minister, he actually did not want Guruji to contest from there. He has the dream to become the Chief Minister which Sita will never digest. He is instrumental in the communication gap," the insider said.
Claiming widow Sita is a simple housewife who does not know dirty political tricks, her close aides said that she never nourished any political ambition but wanted some sort of compensation.
"She has not made any big demand in exchange of Jama which was once represented by her late husband Durga Soren…except the post of chairman of any corporation or board. But there is none around Shibu Soren who can carry her words to him, the insider said.
Sources added that at least two Ministers of the Soren-led coalition Government, all from the JMM quota - Hazi Hussain Ansari and Mathura Mahato - are quite keen about the political script of Hemant which is quite fuzzy and romantic.
Nevertheless, top JMM leaders confided that the matter was resolved at a high level meeting on Thursday night at CM's House where Sita agreed to pave way for Soren.
Whether Sita is ready to resign or already submitted her resignation paper to Guruji is all media report. Both the CM and Hemant refrained from corroborating it on Friday afternoon on the sidelines of the Cabinet meeting.
"Yes I will contest the election," Guruji said repeating what he had said to different audiences at different times refusing to disclose the name of the constituency.
Media grilled Hemant with the same query asking him to name the constituency from where his father plans to contest and one eager scribe asked if he would leave Dumka for his father.
"If I get instructions from the Chief Minister I will take no time to do so," Hemant said.
But by late evening Shibu Soren appeared confident when he was again asked to name the constituency while inaugurating the 'Bangla Sanskritik Mela' in the State capital.
"It is not too late. You will come to know…," Soren said, and his conscience keepers were successful in stopping him from dwelling over the issue further.
If Soren beamed such a high hope it was apparently due to the fact that Sita on Friday ventured to the Project Building (State Secretariat) along with the Chief Minister.
Many in the JMM interpreted it as the breaking of ice and a sign of the opening of a channel that can distinguish between noise and signal.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/248209/Son-shadow-over-Soren-Sita-talks.html
Friday, April 9, 2010
Govt dithers over panchayat polls
Govt dithers over panchayat polls
Vijay Deo Jha
RANCHI | Thursday, March 25, 2010
Trouble in Jharkhand isn’t merely over how and when to conduct long pending panchayat elections. It is over reordering the entire political landscape of a State that doesn’t care being polite about its bitter and visceral fault lines any more ie Sadan (non-tribal) versus tribal.
Sadans are simmering against the extension to Scheduled Areas Act (PESA).
Provisions of cent per cent reservation for Schedule Tribes for the posts of chief and deputy chiefs of all panchayat
bodies falling under scheduled area, across three tiers have irked Sadans.
The three tiers comprise gram panchayat (panchayat level), panchayat samiti (block level) and zilla parishad (district level).
The Government is dithering to announce the schedule of the elections and still searching for balm to stop anti-PESA passion to turn in flame. The Government echoed conflicting notes on the floor of the house whenever the Opposition demanded explanation over the scheduled date.
Well-placed sources in the Government accepted that the Government was caught in a conflicting situation. “Don’t know what to do. The Supreme Court has directed to conduct election without delay and these Sadans are dead against the elections in its present format. If you please Sadan it will offend tribals.”
“We have not received any representation from any Sadan outfit to amend PESA Act. Let it come first we will see,” the deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Mahato said.
And in the ringing words of Pandey Himansunath Roy, Convener of the Sadan Vikash Parisad, “We want the empowerment of the tribals but not at the cost of damaging the genuine interest of other social groups. We are opposed to violence but there will be thousands of frontiers of unrest; if elections were conducted under discriminatory provisions of PESA.
Lal Chand Mahato of Bahujan Sadan during Kurmi caste conclave few days back demanded ST status for Kurmi caste otherwise threatened to oppose the PESA Act.
The statement drew flak even some of the Kurmi leaders, who pilloried Mahato for ditching the larger interest of Sadans.
Now both decided to pitch battle against PESA Act in their own fashion. Mahato announced to gherao the Assembly and Roy and his supporters announced to hold demonstration at Jantar Mantar on April 26. Meanwhile, Sadan Vikash Parisad has also filed appeal in the Supreme Court against its decision on PESA Act.
The immediate cause of what’s unfolding today probably goes back to 2005, when the Arjun Munda-led NDA Government moved ahead to conduct panchayat elections under PESA Act it met spontaneous Statewide bandh.
The accumulated causes go even further back. PESA Act is probably merely the latest flash point.
“Sadans comprise 70 per cent population of Jharkhand and still discriminated,” says Nirbhay Kumar, a politically affiliated Sadan activist. What we do to be heard, resort to violence?
“Why they have all Chief Ministers and we have none? Why do they get preference in Government jobs? Why they have 60 per cent of power? Why should they (tribals) get reservations even in the panchayats with no tribal population? Why all these munificence?
Why? Why? Why? Sadan leaders are an angry trigger-burst of questions wherever you go; knowing their movement has no takers among the political parties.
“It is because political parties have no interest in the social issues. It is apolitical battle,” Roy said.
Daughter-in-law Sita may vacate Jama seat for Soren
Not will she or won't she but hasn't she
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
NATION | Friday, April 9, 2010
The Chief Minister’s residence was abuzz with report of the probability of the resignation of Sita Soren from the Jama Assembly constituency in a couple of days to provide a safe seat to her father-in-law and Chief Minister Shibu Soren to contest from.
Though Sita Soren, widow of Durga Soren, refused to give a direct answer, reliable sources in the JMM said that she has been convinced to tender her resignation for the interest of the party and the Government.
“I am yet to decide. I am yet to see the things…no comment over when, why and how of the resignation,” Sita told to The Pioneer.
But JMM insiders confided that the constituency drama would finally end with a happy note. “She could possibly hand over her resignation letter to the Chief Minister late on Thursday night or day after to pave way for Shibu Soren to contest from Jama,” JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharya said.
Bhattacharya, nevertheless, refused to disclose whether Sita would be suitably rewarded for her good gesture — resignation which she had refused despite mounting pressure within the Soren family.
“It is up to Guruji (Shibu Soren) to decide the things,” he said.
Sources close to Sita said under the negotiations Sita wanted an honourable deal for her. “There is nothing specific. But when she has decided to stay in politics and now under pressure to relinquish Jama for the larger interest of the party and the government, the reward must be proportionate to that,” said a close associate of late Durga Soren, husband of Sita.
A peeved Sita on March 28 had announced to resign from Jama, obliquely hinting that she was under tremendous pressure within the family to vacate the seat. That day Hemant Soren, the younger son of Shibu Soren, had made a smart move and announced his willingness to quit the Dumka Assembly constituency if the controversy over constituency continued.
But by then the feud within the Soren family had landed in the public domain.
Storm in JMM over Soren’s probable constituency
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
NATION | Monday, March 29, 2010
A storm in a teacup is brewing in the JMM over Soren’s probable constituency. His son Hemant Soren and daughter-in-law Sita Soren on Sunday announced to resign from their Assembly constituencies — Dumka and Jama respectively — to pave the way for father Soren to contest the by-election.
“I can vacate Dumka seat for Chief Minister Shibu Soren to fight the by-election,” Hemant told the media on Sunday afternoon in Ramgarh district during an official tour with his father.
However, Shibu Soren neither attested nor contested the sudden revelation of Hemant. “I will contest as I told you,” Guruji said but refused to answer ‘where’ and ‘when’ of the constituency.
Shibu Soren, aka Guruji, is now running short of time — only three months — to contest and win the Assembly bypoll to retain the post of the Chief Minister. However, this time unauthenticated story of the rupture within Soren’s family is in air. A close aide of Sita alleged that Guruji’s youngest son Basant Soren and other leaders of the JMM are pressurising her to vacate Jama Assembly seat to make way for Guruji.
“I am going to resign from Jama for the Chief Minister to contest…I give you this breaking news,” Sita told The Pioneer over telephone in declamatory tone, adding, “I am fed up with…will be happy to remain as the ex-MLA of Jama.” She refused to disclose whether she could be suitably rewarded for that sacrifice.
“Do not know…cannot tell it right now. He (Guruji) is the guardian of the family he will take care of my interest,” she said.
Quick to snub the allegation, Basant swears: “She (Sita) is the wife of my elder brother and I have a lot of respect for her. It is a wrong allegation.”
But announcements and clarification could not help to break the ice; it rather exposed a major fault-line within Soren family. Sita, till a few days back, is reported to have protested her political disinheritance by leaving Jama. Despite the fact, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) insiders revealed, Guruji wanted to contest from Jama. However, the JMM insiders claimed that Guruji initially had even in his mind to nominate Sita as the JMM candidate for Dumka parliamentary election. But the discussion never took a serious proportion. Guruji is representing Dumka parliamentary seat and he is yet to resign from the Lok Sabha.
“It is unfortunate that in the JMM decisions are taken at the last hour when things go beyond control. He (Guruji) should ideally have convinced Sita to leave Jama assuring a political reward…no serious effort was made, perhaps. There is too much discord in the Soren family. Ambitions are too high,” a JMM party worker close to Soren family said.
Guruji’s tactical silence to announce his constituency gave rise to the suspicion that he was not willing to contest Assembly bypoll despite he made his intention clear to contest on the floor of the Assembly. Trusted lieutenants of Guruji had said that he will announce his constituency just after the budget session of the Assembly, which ended on Saturday. While Soren siblings made startling revelation of their loyalty to Guruji, the JMM house appeared divided. “Dumka was never the priority of Guruji. He had two options — Jama and Jamtara — to contest. JMM MLA from Jamtara Vishnu Bhaiya has already offered his seat. I do not who prompted them to go public,” a senior JMM leader said.
Meanwhile State Assembly Speaker CP Singh declined that he received any communication from Sita and Hemant about their intention to resign.
“I have not received any communication or any resignation letter from them,” Singh told The Pioneer. The turmoil in the first family of Jharkhand politics is public now.
Cop-bashing on closing day of Budget session
Vijay Deo Jha
RANCHI | Sunday, March 28, 2010
The concluding day of the budget session of the State Assembly saw the Opposition adamant over its demand to suspend Bundu DSP, Anand Joseph Tigga for allegedly manhandling a bank officer Nasim Ahmed, on March 23.
Alleging that the State Government was shielding the police despite the preliminary inquiry report of the IG Rezi Dungdung, which found him guilty of misbehaving with Ahmed, the Opposition demanded exemplary action against the police officer.
The Opposition was not satisfied with the Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das' announcement that Tigga had been transferred with immediate effect and the police constable who allegedly thrashed Ahmed had been suspended.
JVM leader Pradeep Yadav, Vinod Singh of CPI (ML) and Annapurna Devi stalled the proceedings of the house for a couple of minutes.
Calling the Government callous, the Opposition blamed it for hushing up the matter by suspending only the constable and demanded that the investigation report be placed before the House.
Reading out the report, Das accepted that the IG had held Tigga responsible for not reacting promptly and restraining the accused police constable.
"But this is a preliminary report. A full-fledged investigation is yet to take place. The police need to obtain the version of other passengers and drivers present that night. For this the department will publish advertisement in the newspaper so that eyewitnesses may come forward to give their statement," Das said. He rubbished the Opposition's allegation that the government was defending Tigga.
However, in another case the Opposition forced the Government to suspend another erring police official, the station in-charge Barkattha police, Rambhaju Dayal.
Pradeep Yadav who raised the issue said that the police did not register an FIR of the death of a 13-year-old girl Anita Kumari (daughter of Damar Mahato of village Sallaiya), who worked as Dayal's domestic servant for eight months.
Taking the matter seriously the Speaker CP Singh asked the government to take action against Dayal. The State Government announced Dayal's suspension of on the floor of the House and directed the police to lodge an FIR. The House also announced action against Dayal under different sections of Labour Law for employing a minor as servant.
The House also passed the Bill for the establishment National Law Study and Research University with some minor amendments. Tabling the Bill the HRD Minister Hemlal Murmu said that the proposed university will cater to the needs of a vast number of students and prove as a milestone.
The Opposition however, wanted changes in the proposed draft, including the opening of two centres of the proposed university in Dumka and Jamshedpur. Pradeep Yadav of JVM wanted the government to make provision of 70 per cent reservation for the students of Jharkhand against the proposed 50 per cent. Both proposals were rejected.
The HRD Minister also announced a law to curb arbitrary hike of the fee by the private schools without the prior sanction of the State Government. Answering Congress MLA Gitashree Oraon's query, Murmu said "We will soon bring the law. From now on private schools will have to reserve some of the seats for the poor students after the enactment of Right to Education Act," the minister said.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Murder or the case of pure black magic: Aman is no more
Pix by Sanjeev Sameer
Vijay Deo Jha
Ranchi
Like any other child Aman wanted to read in a good school and had thrown his hands around his father Iswari Saw to lodge him to a good hostel; the day he went missing.
The body of six years old Aman was recovered four days later on last Wednesday; badly mutilated — trounced head, ears and tongue chopped and eyes gorged out — just 100 meter away from his paternal house at village Purnadih under Markaccho PO in Koderma district.
Police arrested eight suspects, later on, but his kidnapping and subsequent killing — family members suspected — matched with the script of Hindi movie Sangharsh (1999) where an exorcist kidnaps children for sacrifice to please Goddess Kali to gain black magic.
Police arrested Sitaram Pandit and his wife Indira Devi the lady who allegedly practises witchcraft. Two daughters of the espouses named as santoshi and Sarita Devi and some other relatives and close of Pandit family including Bhagirath Pandit and Vijay Pandit for allegedly hatching plot to kill the boy.
“Two accused Nayan Turia and Ram Pandit whose involvement in this case is suspected are yet to be arrested. They will be arrested within a couple of days. We are conducting raids. Police have booked them under section 366, 302 of IPC,” said SP Koderma, G. Kranti Kumar.
The police have also recorded the statement of an eye witness under section 164, one who claimed to have seen Pandits and their associates while dumping the body in a sack.
“He wanted to join hostel to study in a good school …My innocent son was killed by these people who practise witchcraft. I seek justice for my son,” the father of the son told the Pioneer.
Police remained silent over the reason behind the murder. “Nothing can be said right now. They have confessed having cold blooded killing of the boy. It is first case in Koderma alleged as the case of human sacrifice,” Kumar said.
Before this Saw family received a letter demanding Rs 90000 for the safe release of Aman. “They (unknown people) instructed me to drop the bag of money on a spot very close to me residence. They assured to inform me about where about of my son through another letter. I did the same. But nobody came to pick the money I instantly came to realise that I will not get my son back. I suspected the involvements of my some of my hidden enemies,” Saw said.
The police on the ground of suspicion had detained one Prakash Das. The police did not reveal whether interrogation of Das gave any clue or not but it recovered Aman’s body packed in a sack.
The police later on brought sniffer dog of the CID police for further investigation which led the police to the house of Sitaram Pandit.
Saw who runs stone crushing machine claimed that he had seen Sitaram Pandit and others moving with a stuffed sack. “They strongly suspect, now, that had packed the body of my son. Initially, I thought that they have been packing the used puja material after ten days of Durga Puja festival,” he said.
Bereaved over the death of her youngest son, it is tough for Sunita Devi to control her tears.
“No toy. No sweets. He never demanded anything from us except living in hostel. My son had not taken meal the day he went missing,” Sunita broke down. Aman is one of the baffling cases of missing children, whose body are later found dead.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Bodies of Jharkhand students arrive in Ranchi
Vijay Deo Jha/Joy Sengupta | Ranchi
Friday, March 5, 2010
The shrieks and cries of Gorelal Paswan, an employee of CMPDI, echoed throughout Dhawan Nagar as the coffin carrying the body of his son, Gautam, arrived at his residence on Thursday. Gautam, a student of the Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu, died in a road mishap on February 28.
The incident was followed by the police lathi-charge on the protesting students which led to chaos resulting in the death of Sumit Kumar, another university student hailing from Jamshedpur, and two others from Bihar.
Sumit's body arrived too and was taken to Jamshedpur by his relatives. He and the other two students drowned in a canal while trying to escape from the police.
The deaths also rang bells in the Assembly on Thursday with the Opposition asking the State Government to take a serious look over the deaths.
“Now what do I do? Everything I had is now finished. Why God, this to us,” yelled Gautam's father, who works as a chief surveyor in CMPDI.
Gautam's mother, who was told about the incident only on Thursday, was inconsolable. She fainted many a times after seeing the body of her son.
Gautam was the youngest among Paswan's three sons. The second son, Neeraj, was killed some 8 years ago following being kidnapped by unidentified miscreants. His body was recovered tied in a jute sack from the Chutia police station area. Police investigations in this case have proved futile till late.
The scene in the locality was grim and all the neighbours and friends turned up to Gautam's small house to pay their condolences to the grieving family. Neighbours said that the family had been struggling in order to pay for Gautam's education.
“The family had been struggling to make both ends meet. The father had taken a big loan for Gautam's education. They have been really struggling hard. Loosing two sons is not easy,” said a neighbour.
Meanwhile, the State Government assured the Assembly for a suitable reply over the issue on February 10. Raising the issue at Zero Hour, CPI(ML) legislator Vinod Kumar Singh asked the State Government to take a serious look over the deaths.
Singh said that the State Government must focus upon the higher and technical education in Jharkhand so that the students of Jharkhand are not forced to migrate to other States.
JVM legislator Pradeep Yadav, who supported the CPI(ML) legislator's point of view, said that the State Government must take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of the students studying in other States.
HRD Minister Hemlal Murmu clarified that the State Government has been in active touch with the Government of Tamil Nadu following the issue.
The Opposition though remained vociferous and said that even after more than a dozen of students of Jharkhand studying in different parts of Tamil Nadu and other southern States have fled following the incident, the State Government remained insensitive towards the issue.
Congress legislator Banna Gupta said that while the body of deceased student was brought to Jharkhand on Thursday, none of the officials of the district administration turned up.
Friday, March 5, 2010
The shrieks and cries of Gorelal Paswan, an employee of CMPDI, echoed throughout Dhawan Nagar as the coffin carrying the body of his son, Gautam, arrived at his residence on Thursday. Gautam, a student of the Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu, died in a road mishap on February 28.
The incident was followed by the police lathi-charge on the protesting students which led to chaos resulting in the death of Sumit Kumar, another university student hailing from Jamshedpur, and two others from Bihar.
Sumit's body arrived too and was taken to Jamshedpur by his relatives. He and the other two students drowned in a canal while trying to escape from the police.
The deaths also rang bells in the Assembly on Thursday with the Opposition asking the State Government to take a serious look over the deaths.
“Now what do I do? Everything I had is now finished. Why God, this to us,” yelled Gautam's father, who works as a chief surveyor in CMPDI.
Gautam's mother, who was told about the incident only on Thursday, was inconsolable. She fainted many a times after seeing the body of her son.
Gautam was the youngest among Paswan's three sons. The second son, Neeraj, was killed some 8 years ago following being kidnapped by unidentified miscreants. His body was recovered tied in a jute sack from the Chutia police station area. Police investigations in this case have proved futile till late.
The scene in the locality was grim and all the neighbours and friends turned up to Gautam's small house to pay their condolences to the grieving family. Neighbours said that the family had been struggling in order to pay for Gautam's education.
“The family had been struggling to make both ends meet. The father had taken a big loan for Gautam's education. They have been really struggling hard. Loosing two sons is not easy,” said a neighbour.
Meanwhile, the State Government assured the Assembly for a suitable reply over the issue on February 10. Raising the issue at Zero Hour, CPI(ML) legislator Vinod Kumar Singh asked the State Government to take a serious look over the deaths.
Singh said that the State Government must focus upon the higher and technical education in Jharkhand so that the students of Jharkhand are not forced to migrate to other States.
JVM legislator Pradeep Yadav, who supported the CPI(ML) legislator's point of view, said that the State Government must take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of the students studying in other States.
HRD Minister Hemlal Murmu clarified that the State Government has been in active touch with the Government of Tamil Nadu following the issue.
The Opposition though remained vociferous and said that even after more than a dozen of students of Jharkhand studying in different parts of Tamil Nadu and other southern States have fled following the incident, the State Government remained insensitive towards the issue.
Congress legislator Banna Gupta said that while the body of deceased student was brought to Jharkhand on Thursday, none of the officials of the district administration turned up.
Jharkhand to get schools to counter Maoist uprising
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The State Government finally woke up to the call of Maoist menace. Accepting that Naxal activities in Jharkhand have reached at an alarming level, Finance Minister Raghuwar Das unveiled modernisation plans of the State police forces in his Budget speech on Friday.
Announcing sanction of grants for opening of four new counter-insurgency schools in Netarhat, Padma, Musabani and Mandal, he said that the State was serious about forming a tribal battalion in Jharkhand. Das, in his Budget speech, announced to start a Civil Defense Training Institute to train people in the art of self-defense. The Government agreed to expand Nagrik Suraksha Samiti in Ranchi, East Singhbhum, Bokaro and Godda.
“The State Government has taken every step to ensure development of the area to win back youth, who have strayed away from the mainstream of the society. The Government is serious about tackling this issue,” Das said.
Das informed that the police personnel will be given special training in the coming days. In this context, he said that that the State was planning to construct training centres to impart training to State home guards.
Das said that the State intended to increase the coverage area of police stations and said that the Government wanted to increase the man-police ratio in Jharkhand. According to UN norms, man-police ratio in strife-torn areas should be 222 policemen for each one lakh population. In Jharkhand, this figure stands around 98 policemen for each one lakh population according to the reports.
Das informed that the State Government will encourage youth to join police force.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The State Government finally woke up to the call of Maoist menace. Accepting that Naxal activities in Jharkhand have reached at an alarming level, Finance Minister Raghuwar Das unveiled modernisation plans of the State police forces in his Budget speech on Friday.
Announcing sanction of grants for opening of four new counter-insurgency schools in Netarhat, Padma, Musabani and Mandal, he said that the State was serious about forming a tribal battalion in Jharkhand. Das, in his Budget speech, announced to start a Civil Defense Training Institute to train people in the art of self-defense. The Government agreed to expand Nagrik Suraksha Samiti in Ranchi, East Singhbhum, Bokaro and Godda.
“The State Government has taken every step to ensure development of the area to win back youth, who have strayed away from the mainstream of the society. The Government is serious about tackling this issue,” Das said.
Das informed that the police personnel will be given special training in the coming days. In this context, he said that that the State was planning to construct training centres to impart training to State home guards.
Das said that the State intended to increase the coverage area of police stations and said that the Government wanted to increase the man-police ratio in Jharkhand. According to UN norms, man-police ratio in strife-torn areas should be 222 policemen for each one lakh population. In Jharkhand, this figure stands around 98 policemen for each one lakh population according to the reports.
Das informed that the State Government will encourage youth to join police force.
Das Budget tries to please all
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi |
Saturday, March 6, 2010
From sweet lovers to agriculturists to common men, Finance Minister Raghuwar Das tried to make everybody satisfied with a Budget which he christened as the budget of overall development of Jharkhand.
Amid uproar by the Opposition, Das presented the Finance Budget 2010-11 of Rs 22,297.59 crore where he sought Rs 11,993.18 crore and Rs 10,304.44 crore respectively under non-plan and plan head.
Announcing that the State Government was determined to accelerate Gross Domestic Product of Jharkhand to 10 per cent; Das was confronted with another greater challenge to limit the loss to the State Exchequer by 2.50 per cent. He said that the Government is expecting the growth of the per capita income by Rs 30,000.
The State Government tried to show its concern for aam admi and announced to lower down the taxes and complete exemption of the taxes on nearly 16 items.
The Government exempted rice, wheat, onion, potato and some other items, including footwear made of rubber and plastic, solar battery, henna, snacks produced by the cottage industry, from tax.
The Finance Minister announced to lower down VAT on helmet, motor parts, sweets, salty snacks and ice-cream from 12.5 to 4 per cent. The State Government also gave some respite to the petroleum dealers by lowering VAT on diesel from 20 per cent 18.
Later at a Press conference, the Minister accepted that large heartedness will incur loss to the State exchequer. “But we have decided to explore other sources of income and create atmosphere for the more revenue generation to compensate it,” he said.
The Government tried to exhibit a fine balancing act between agriculture and industry. Though, there was no word over how the Government plans to create an atmosphere for industrial development and investment in Jharkhand except ‘Single Window System’ and ‘Jharkhand Infrastructure Development Authority.’
There was a grumble in the industrial sector after Das did not carry any candy for industry to please. In fact the department of industry got a paltry share in allocation 1.28 per cent of the total layout.
“Agriculture”, Das said, “constitute the bedrock of the development of the State. If I get a chance to rule the sky I will pluck all the stars to give it the State.” He read out a couplet to show his seriousness to develop agriculture.
The Minister announced to start several measures for effective marketing of the agricultural products, investments and creating employment opportunity in agriculture.
Insurance for farmers, Tilka Manjhi Krishi Pump Yojna, fish farmers’ credit card, lowering down interest rate of the Kishan Credit Card from 7 per cent to 4 per cent under some given condition and special operation in 15 districts to improve the cultivation of pulses under National Food Security Mission were some other measures; Das tried to please the farmers.
Das said the Government planned 5 per cent growth rate in the agriculture sector. He dedicated Rs 260 crore for the development of agriculture. But the Opposition was not happy. “Budget is a finely worded fraud on the people specially farmers…no solid commitments and plan on how to help poor farmers from the debt trap since after Jharkhand has been passing through a tumults phase of draught. The government instead cut down the budgetary allocation of some of the key departments that are directly associated with farmers and rural sector,” Congress leader Sukhdeo Bhagat countered.
The Budget earmarked Rs 475 crore for irrigation and announced to expand the total irrigated area up to 57,085 hectares in the next fiscal year. Rs 1,000 for rural development, 80000 new vacancies, direct recruitment to matriculated tribal candidates in the job, special training to the rural youths, Rs 70 crore for conducting elections of Panchyat Raj institution were the part of the Budget.
Institution like National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and its execution remained the key concern of the government. Hence, Das announced Rs 2500 crore for NREGA.
Under urban development Das announced to prepare feasibility report for metro rail projects in major towns of Jharkhand. He also announced new flyovers, proper drainage and others.
He announced to open 300 new schools in Jharkhand, medical colleges on the basis of public-private-partnership in Bokaro and Ghatsila, new ITI and women polytechnic institutes and others were announced by Das.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
From sweet lovers to agriculturists to common men, Finance Minister Raghuwar Das tried to make everybody satisfied with a Budget which he christened as the budget of overall development of Jharkhand.
Amid uproar by the Opposition, Das presented the Finance Budget 2010-11 of Rs 22,297.59 crore where he sought Rs 11,993.18 crore and Rs 10,304.44 crore respectively under non-plan and plan head.
Announcing that the State Government was determined to accelerate Gross Domestic Product of Jharkhand to 10 per cent; Das was confronted with another greater challenge to limit the loss to the State Exchequer by 2.50 per cent. He said that the Government is expecting the growth of the per capita income by Rs 30,000.
The State Government tried to show its concern for aam admi and announced to lower down the taxes and complete exemption of the taxes on nearly 16 items.
The Government exempted rice, wheat, onion, potato and some other items, including footwear made of rubber and plastic, solar battery, henna, snacks produced by the cottage industry, from tax.
The Finance Minister announced to lower down VAT on helmet, motor parts, sweets, salty snacks and ice-cream from 12.5 to 4 per cent. The State Government also gave some respite to the petroleum dealers by lowering VAT on diesel from 20 per cent 18.
Later at a Press conference, the Minister accepted that large heartedness will incur loss to the State exchequer. “But we have decided to explore other sources of income and create atmosphere for the more revenue generation to compensate it,” he said.
The Government tried to exhibit a fine balancing act between agriculture and industry. Though, there was no word over how the Government plans to create an atmosphere for industrial development and investment in Jharkhand except ‘Single Window System’ and ‘Jharkhand Infrastructure Development Authority.’
There was a grumble in the industrial sector after Das did not carry any candy for industry to please. In fact the department of industry got a paltry share in allocation 1.28 per cent of the total layout.
“Agriculture”, Das said, “constitute the bedrock of the development of the State. If I get a chance to rule the sky I will pluck all the stars to give it the State.” He read out a couplet to show his seriousness to develop agriculture.
The Minister announced to start several measures for effective marketing of the agricultural products, investments and creating employment opportunity in agriculture.
Insurance for farmers, Tilka Manjhi Krishi Pump Yojna, fish farmers’ credit card, lowering down interest rate of the Kishan Credit Card from 7 per cent to 4 per cent under some given condition and special operation in 15 districts to improve the cultivation of pulses under National Food Security Mission were some other measures; Das tried to please the farmers.
Das said the Government planned 5 per cent growth rate in the agriculture sector. He dedicated Rs 260 crore for the development of agriculture. But the Opposition was not happy. “Budget is a finely worded fraud on the people specially farmers…no solid commitments and plan on how to help poor farmers from the debt trap since after Jharkhand has been passing through a tumults phase of draught. The government instead cut down the budgetary allocation of some of the key departments that are directly associated with farmers and rural sector,” Congress leader Sukhdeo Bhagat countered.
The Budget earmarked Rs 475 crore for irrigation and announced to expand the total irrigated area up to 57,085 hectares in the next fiscal year. Rs 1,000 for rural development, 80000 new vacancies, direct recruitment to matriculated tribal candidates in the job, special training to the rural youths, Rs 70 crore for conducting elections of Panchyat Raj institution were the part of the Budget.
Institution like National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and its execution remained the key concern of the government. Hence, Das announced Rs 2500 crore for NREGA.
Under urban development Das announced to prepare feasibility report for metro rail projects in major towns of Jharkhand. He also announced new flyovers, proper drainage and others.
He announced to open 300 new schools in Jharkhand, medical colleges on the basis of public-private-partnership in Bokaro and Ghatsila, new ITI and women polytechnic institutes and others were announced by Das.
Cong calls Budget unreal, window dressing
Cong calls Budget unreal, window dressing
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
Rubbishing the State Government’s claim of a good Budget, the Congress on Saturday criticised the budgetary proposals.
The State Congress gave the Budget three different names: Unreal, window dressing and a document of inflated estimates. The party criticised the Government for not making special provisions to meet the famine-like conditions in Jharkhand. “It can not be called a real Budget. It is not going to benefit the people. The Govern-ment has no vision for the development of Jharkhand,” senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Kishore said at a Press conference.
He slammed Finance Minister Raghuwar Das claims to present downsized non-planned Budget only to cloak fiscal deficit and revenue loss. Kishore said that the budget is based on inflated claim of the government to collect revenues in the next financial year 2010-11. “But the records of the past budgets and the revenue colleted therein suggests that the successive governments have failed to meet the target,” Kishore cautioned.
Kishore also disputed the claim of the Finance Minister Raghuwar Das that the government was serious about rural economy. The state government has made a provision of Rs 260 crore for agriculture this time in comparison with the last budget where the amount was Rs 200 crore.
“While the Government was barely able to spend merely 40 per cent of the total budgetary allocation in the past budget…now on the basis of additional Rs 60 crore the government has been claiming to achieve five percent growth rate in the agricultural product.”
He also ridiculed Das’ explore feasibility of metro rail project in Jharkhand.
“While the successive Governments have not been able to start ring road project in Ranchi, Das has been selling a false dream,” Kishore said.
Stating that the announcements made by Das, including opening of 300 new schools and generating 80,000 employment opportunities in Jharkhand, Kishore doubted that announcements would hardly graduate beyond the Budget speech.
Kishore was flanked by senior party leader Sukhdeo Bhagat who termed it a false claim of
the Finance Minister. Bhagat said that the Government has only been making tall claims, “despite 5,000 posts of teachers lying vacant”. Over the proposed mass employments in the current financial year, he wondered: “Government announced but made no provision in the budget.”
Bhagat also criticised the Budget for not making any provision for the university and college teachers for their revised salary under the Sixth Pay Commission report.
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
Rubbishing the State Government’s claim of a good Budget, the Congress on Saturday criticised the budgetary proposals.
The State Congress gave the Budget three different names: Unreal, window dressing and a document of inflated estimates. The party criticised the Government for not making special provisions to meet the famine-like conditions in Jharkhand. “It can not be called a real Budget. It is not going to benefit the people. The Govern-ment has no vision for the development of Jharkhand,” senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Kishore said at a Press conference.
He slammed Finance Minister Raghuwar Das claims to present downsized non-planned Budget only to cloak fiscal deficit and revenue loss. Kishore said that the budget is based on inflated claim of the government to collect revenues in the next financial year 2010-11. “But the records of the past budgets and the revenue colleted therein suggests that the successive governments have failed to meet the target,” Kishore cautioned.
Kishore also disputed the claim of the Finance Minister Raghuwar Das that the government was serious about rural economy. The state government has made a provision of Rs 260 crore for agriculture this time in comparison with the last budget where the amount was Rs 200 crore.
“While the Government was barely able to spend merely 40 per cent of the total budgetary allocation in the past budget…now on the basis of additional Rs 60 crore the government has been claiming to achieve five percent growth rate in the agricultural product.”
He also ridiculed Das’ explore feasibility of metro rail project in Jharkhand.
“While the successive Governments have not been able to start ring road project in Ranchi, Das has been selling a false dream,” Kishore said.
Stating that the announcements made by Das, including opening of 300 new schools and generating 80,000 employment opportunities in Jharkhand, Kishore doubted that announcements would hardly graduate beyond the Budget speech.
Kishore was flanked by senior party leader Sukhdeo Bhagat who termed it a false claim of
the Finance Minister. Bhagat said that the Government has only been making tall claims, “despite 5,000 posts of teachers lying vacant”. Over the proposed mass employments in the current financial year, he wondered: “Government announced but made no provision in the budget.”
Bhagat also criticised the Budget for not making any provision for the university and college teachers for their revised salary under the Sixth Pay Commission report.
Saryu faces off Binod Sinha’s aide
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
RANCHI | Monday, March 8, 2010
Often not a Press conference over mega scam like the Madhu Koda and Co was interrupted by a person happens to be close to the kingpin of the scam. It happened on Saturday at a Press conference of BJP leader Saryu Rai.
“I have not been getting desired support from the BJP to raise the Madhu Koda scam issue. The same party had supported me during the fodder scam case in Bihar…”
Rai had hardly concluded his statement --- yet to demand a CBI inquiry ---- when a man sitting in the last row suddenly rose up to interrupt him. Interruption came from Soubhik Chattopadhya, a key associate of Binod Sinha, kingpin of the Madhu Koda scam.
Rai had called this Press conference to counter the sting operation allegedly carried on High Court lawyer Ritu Kumar by Chattopadhya with the help of standing council of Jharkhand Government Rajendra Krishna and others. Ritu Kumar is the counsel of Durga Oraon, who had filed public interest litigation against former Jharkhand Chief Minister and others.
In the alleged CD, the lawyer has been allured for accepting Rs 20 lakh as a bribe to tone down the cases against the culprits.
During the Press conference, Rai repeatedly named Chattopadhya for hatching conspiracy against whistleblowers of this case to scuttle the probe. He even provided transcript of the conversation of the CD to support his claim.
“I am Soubhik Chattopadhya, the man you have been naming so frequently. You have your vested interest in this matter and you are politicising it for your own benefit,” Chattopadhya startled everybody by his presence. Allegation and counter allegation started flying from both the sides.
“You agent (expletive deleted) of imposters! Who called you in this Press conference? “Do you think I belong to the bunch of those lawyers,” read Rajendra Krishna, “whom you can purchase. Kick him out. Go away you ***” Rai made an angry retort.
He alleged that like Ritu Kumar the nexus involved in scam are now trying to implicate him also.
The man was taken out of the premises. But before this he was surrounded by wolf packed media to get a bite. And there was a parallel Press conference where Chattopadhya spent payloads of allegations against Rai and some others.
Later Chattopadhya’s close associates alleged manhandling by supporters of Rai outside of the conference hall. “He has been admitted in the Raj Hospital. He suffered injury on the head,” said one of the close associates of Chattopadhya.
Rai resumed from where he was interrupted. “I will continue my crusade against corruption even after my party flinches back from supporting me. I have met central BJP leaders to persuade them to raise this matter at national level.”
But there seems to be no taker in the State BJP to support his demand for a CBI inquiry of the case under supervision of the High Court of Jharkhand. The State Government where the BJP is a key partner has already refused to hand over the case to the CBI stating that the State vigilance department was competent enough to investigate it.
“I feel pity for those,” Rai obliquely referred to Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das and Rajya Sabha MP SS Ahluwaliya, “who believe that State vigilance department can handle such mega scam which has roots in the foreign countries.”
Rai also charged Enforcement Directorate for not handling the case properly. “Things are managed in such a way to help accuses of the case like Manoj Punamiya to get relief from the high court…I had unearthed this scam and I demand CBI inquiry.”
BJP leadership is wrapped in silence now after using its lungs power to demand a CBI probe during Assembly elections. Then the BJP was in the Opposition. It is the BJP in the power now.
RANCHI | Monday, March 8, 2010
Often not a Press conference over mega scam like the Madhu Koda and Co was interrupted by a person happens to be close to the kingpin of the scam. It happened on Saturday at a Press conference of BJP leader Saryu Rai.
“I have not been getting desired support from the BJP to raise the Madhu Koda scam issue. The same party had supported me during the fodder scam case in Bihar…”
Rai had hardly concluded his statement --- yet to demand a CBI inquiry ---- when a man sitting in the last row suddenly rose up to interrupt him. Interruption came from Soubhik Chattopadhya, a key associate of Binod Sinha, kingpin of the Madhu Koda scam.
Rai had called this Press conference to counter the sting operation allegedly carried on High Court lawyer Ritu Kumar by Chattopadhya with the help of standing council of Jharkhand Government Rajendra Krishna and others. Ritu Kumar is the counsel of Durga Oraon, who had filed public interest litigation against former Jharkhand Chief Minister and others.
In the alleged CD, the lawyer has been allured for accepting Rs 20 lakh as a bribe to tone down the cases against the culprits.
During the Press conference, Rai repeatedly named Chattopadhya for hatching conspiracy against whistleblowers of this case to scuttle the probe. He even provided transcript of the conversation of the CD to support his claim.
“I am Soubhik Chattopadhya, the man you have been naming so frequently. You have your vested interest in this matter and you are politicising it for your own benefit,” Chattopadhya startled everybody by his presence. Allegation and counter allegation started flying from both the sides.
“You agent (expletive deleted) of imposters! Who called you in this Press conference? “Do you think I belong to the bunch of those lawyers,” read Rajendra Krishna, “whom you can purchase. Kick him out. Go away you ***” Rai made an angry retort.
He alleged that like Ritu Kumar the nexus involved in scam are now trying to implicate him also.
The man was taken out of the premises. But before this he was surrounded by wolf packed media to get a bite. And there was a parallel Press conference where Chattopadhya spent payloads of allegations against Rai and some others.
Later Chattopadhya’s close associates alleged manhandling by supporters of Rai outside of the conference hall. “He has been admitted in the Raj Hospital. He suffered injury on the head,” said one of the close associates of Chattopadhya.
Rai resumed from where he was interrupted. “I will continue my crusade against corruption even after my party flinches back from supporting me. I have met central BJP leaders to persuade them to raise this matter at national level.”
But there seems to be no taker in the State BJP to support his demand for a CBI inquiry of the case under supervision of the High Court of Jharkhand. The State Government where the BJP is a key partner has already refused to hand over the case to the CBI stating that the State vigilance department was competent enough to investigate it.
“I feel pity for those,” Rai obliquely referred to Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das and Rajya Sabha MP SS Ahluwaliya, “who believe that State vigilance department can handle such mega scam which has roots in the foreign countries.”
Rai also charged Enforcement Directorate for not handling the case properly. “Things are managed in such a way to help accuses of the case like Manoj Punamiya to get relief from the high court…I had unearthed this scam and I demand CBI inquiry.”
BJP leadership is wrapped in silence now after using its lungs power to demand a CBI probe during Assembly elections. Then the BJP was in the Opposition. It is the BJP in the power now.
Opp runs parallel session
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Although the Jharkhand Assembly seems to have started on an optimistic note on Wednesday morning, it lost no time in reaching the complete anarchy as soon as the session began. The House witnessed uproar of the Opposition that forced Speaker CP Singh to adjourn the proceedings of the House thrice at 12:05 pm, 12:45pm and finally at 2 pm.
The Opposition led by Vinod Singh (CPI)ML, Pradeep Yadav, Phoolchand Mandal, Nirbhay Sahabadi and Samresh Singh, all from the JVM, and KN Tripathy of the Congress tried to bring an adjournment motion to discuss and demand CBI inquiries into the corruption cases in Jharkhand. The demand for the motion was rejected by Speaker CP Singh.
The drama inside the Assembly reached a climax with the start of the session. And the irked Opposition rushed to the well; sat there to start a parallel session. The Opposition chose Samresh Singh as the Speaker of that parallel session. Singh perhaps tried to copy one unruly scene of Parliament last day and kicked a chair to symbolise a fiery Opposition this time.
Both the Treasury Bench and the Opposition held two separate Press conferences to accuse each others. The Speaker repeated appeal often lost in high octane sloganeering of the Opposition. “Down with the Government supporting corrupts elements. Corruption cases be investigated by the CBI,” Pradeep Yadav, Congress MLA Banna Gupta and others continuously raised slogans.
The appeal of the Speaker went unheard by the Opposition and the treasury bench and often allowed their tongues to sting their opponent with earthy adjectives.
The agitated treasury reciprocated the slogan shouting. “Chor machaye sore…chore chore mausera bhai.” In turn Gupta demanded a CBI probe of the Tata lease issue.
Chief Minister Shibu Soren was watching the theatrics motionless and the Opposition continued to prod him to give statement whether his Government agreed to recommend for a CBI inquiry of the corruption cases including the Madhu Koda scam.
At one point of time, Soren thought to stand to give statement but sank to his seat only to allow Das to mount assault on the Opposition.
“Your Prime Minister is the man of clean image. This corruption case has its roots in the foreign countries also. Why do not you ask your Prime Minister to involve Interpol to investigate the case?” Das said.
The Opposition did not allow the House to run which was adjourned till 12:45 and witnessed similar commotion when it was adjourned till 2pm.
Soon after the high voltage drama, Das, along with Deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Mahato and the HRD Minister Hemlal Murmu, held a joint press conference.
“The Opposition is anti-development…it has no issue and the act of the Opposition in
the House is discouraging,” Das slammed the opposition, adding, “Government has not
slackened its stand against corruption.”
Das reworded what he had said inside the House that vigilance department is competent enough to probe this case. He demanded that the diary of Koda that allegedly contains the names of some of the Congress leaders be made public.
The leader of the Opposition, Rajendra Singh, Pradeep Yadav, RJD MLA Annapurna Devi and Vinod Singh held another Press conference to counter the allegation of the Treasury Bench.
“We are not allowed to read the adjournment motion. We wanted a debate on the corruption issue in Jharkhand and demand CBI inquiries into all these cases, including Koda issue,” the Opposition charged the Government with not running the House in a democratic manner.
They claimed that the fear of noose around their neck is stopping the BJP and the JMM from recommending CBI inquiries.
In the Opposition, there was an unexciting audience --- Gita Koda, the wife of Madhu Koda, --- who did not react even to say ‘down the Government’ even for the sake Opposition’s unity.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Although the Jharkhand Assembly seems to have started on an optimistic note on Wednesday morning, it lost no time in reaching the complete anarchy as soon as the session began. The House witnessed uproar of the Opposition that forced Speaker CP Singh to adjourn the proceedings of the House thrice at 12:05 pm, 12:45pm and finally at 2 pm.
The Opposition led by Vinod Singh (CPI)ML, Pradeep Yadav, Phoolchand Mandal, Nirbhay Sahabadi and Samresh Singh, all from the JVM, and KN Tripathy of the Congress tried to bring an adjournment motion to discuss and demand CBI inquiries into the corruption cases in Jharkhand. The demand for the motion was rejected by Speaker CP Singh.
The drama inside the Assembly reached a climax with the start of the session. And the irked Opposition rushed to the well; sat there to start a parallel session. The Opposition chose Samresh Singh as the Speaker of that parallel session. Singh perhaps tried to copy one unruly scene of Parliament last day and kicked a chair to symbolise a fiery Opposition this time.
Both the Treasury Bench and the Opposition held two separate Press conferences to accuse each others. The Speaker repeated appeal often lost in high octane sloganeering of the Opposition. “Down with the Government supporting corrupts elements. Corruption cases be investigated by the CBI,” Pradeep Yadav, Congress MLA Banna Gupta and others continuously raised slogans.
The appeal of the Speaker went unheard by the Opposition and the treasury bench and often allowed their tongues to sting their opponent with earthy adjectives.
The agitated treasury reciprocated the slogan shouting. “Chor machaye sore…chore chore mausera bhai.” In turn Gupta demanded a CBI probe of the Tata lease issue.
Chief Minister Shibu Soren was watching the theatrics motionless and the Opposition continued to prod him to give statement whether his Government agreed to recommend for a CBI inquiry of the corruption cases including the Madhu Koda scam.
At one point of time, Soren thought to stand to give statement but sank to his seat only to allow Das to mount assault on the Opposition.
“Your Prime Minister is the man of clean image. This corruption case has its roots in the foreign countries also. Why do not you ask your Prime Minister to involve Interpol to investigate the case?” Das said.
The Opposition did not allow the House to run which was adjourned till 12:45 and witnessed similar commotion when it was adjourned till 2pm.
Soon after the high voltage drama, Das, along with Deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Mahato and the HRD Minister Hemlal Murmu, held a joint press conference.
“The Opposition is anti-development…it has no issue and the act of the Opposition in
the House is discouraging,” Das slammed the opposition, adding, “Government has not
slackened its stand against corruption.”
Das reworded what he had said inside the House that vigilance department is competent enough to probe this case. He demanded that the diary of Koda that allegedly contains the names of some of the Congress leaders be made public.
The leader of the Opposition, Rajendra Singh, Pradeep Yadav, RJD MLA Annapurna Devi and Vinod Singh held another Press conference to counter the allegation of the Treasury Bench.
“We are not allowed to read the adjournment motion. We wanted a debate on the corruption issue in Jharkhand and demand CBI inquiries into all these cases, including Koda issue,” the Opposition charged the Government with not running the House in a democratic manner.
They claimed that the fear of noose around their neck is stopping the BJP and the JMM from recommending CBI inquiries.
In the Opposition, there was an unexciting audience --- Gita Koda, the wife of Madhu Koda, --- who did not react even to say ‘down the Government’ even for the sake Opposition’s unity.
Minister fumbles, Opp levels serious charge
Minister fumbles, Opp levels serious charge
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
She could not have been nervous, but improper briefing and lack of information probably made the Minister for Social Welfare, Woman and Child Development, Sudha Chaudhary, to be so.
Chaudhary rose to reply the Opposition’s charge of loopholes in her department during the Budget speech, but her 15-minute speech gave many causes for consternation among the Opposition.
She rose to read out the Progress Report 2009-10 and Work plan report 2010-11 of her department. Before this, the Opposition had collected sufficient ammunition to blast her claims.
Among various welfare projects of her department, she read out: “The department has been providing Rs 900 to each student of the blind school of Ranchi.”
Chaudhary could not anticipate that Speaker CP Singh was ready with a few papers to make her nervous. “Mantriji are you sure that the students of blind school are paid the said amount as mentioned in the report?” Singh said.
“Yes Sir,” the Minister made a bold claim.
“I have received a letter from the principal of the school…the principal says that only Rs 500 are paid against each student. He has requested me to increase the amount,” Singh waved the letter.
The Opposition lost no time to condemn the Minister. JVM MLA Pradeep Yadav demanded an ‘all party probe’ to fix responsibility of the officials and even rushed to the well of the House for quite some times.
Flanked by Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das and party MLAs, the Minister lost her nerves. Das came to defend her but the Opposition relented only after the Government announced to hold an inquiry into the matter by secretary-level officials.
Even in the first half of the session, Chaudhary was gasping for a suitable reply when Mandar MLA Bandhu Tirkey said that the school has been running without power for the past 16 months.
But that was not the end of the admonition by the Opposition. There was yet another episode of her agony when she stood to reply other charges of corruption against CDPOs of the department.
Madhavlal Singh (Congress), Annapurna Devi and Sanjay Singh Yadav of the RJD raised the matter of the corruption in the appointments of the helpers for different welfare projects of the Government, including Anganwari.
Stating that CDPOs are beyond the control of the Government, the Opposition accused them of taking bribes for the appointments of the helpers. The Opposition even blamed CDPOs for siphoning off money meant for welfare projects.
Everything was fine till the Minister assured to probe the allegation and sought support of the MLAs to run the projects. Chaudhary, however, added that due consent is taken of the MP, MLA and the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned area in the appointment of helpers.
The Opposition protested her statement with high pitched sloganeering often rushing to the well of the House. She continued to stick to her statement. “Please try to understand…she is the first-time MLA. She has become a Minister for the first time…perhaps she might not be aware of this. Please consider it…let her finish,” the Speaker appealed the House.
The Minister was as nervous as a rookie conductor asked to lead a mega philharmonic concert with little knowledge of music.
Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi
She could not have been nervous, but improper briefing and lack of information probably made the Minister for Social Welfare, Woman and Child Development, Sudha Chaudhary, to be so.
Chaudhary rose to reply the Opposition’s charge of loopholes in her department during the Budget speech, but her 15-minute speech gave many causes for consternation among the Opposition.
She rose to read out the Progress Report 2009-10 and Work plan report 2010-11 of her department. Before this, the Opposition had collected sufficient ammunition to blast her claims.
Among various welfare projects of her department, she read out: “The department has been providing Rs 900 to each student of the blind school of Ranchi.”
Chaudhary could not anticipate that Speaker CP Singh was ready with a few papers to make her nervous. “Mantriji are you sure that the students of blind school are paid the said amount as mentioned in the report?” Singh said.
“Yes Sir,” the Minister made a bold claim.
“I have received a letter from the principal of the school…the principal says that only Rs 500 are paid against each student. He has requested me to increase the amount,” Singh waved the letter.
The Opposition lost no time to condemn the Minister. JVM MLA Pradeep Yadav demanded an ‘all party probe’ to fix responsibility of the officials and even rushed to the well of the House for quite some times.
Flanked by Deputy Chief Minister Raghuwar Das and party MLAs, the Minister lost her nerves. Das came to defend her but the Opposition relented only after the Government announced to hold an inquiry into the matter by secretary-level officials.
Even in the first half of the session, Chaudhary was gasping for a suitable reply when Mandar MLA Bandhu Tirkey said that the school has been running without power for the past 16 months.
But that was not the end of the admonition by the Opposition. There was yet another episode of her agony when she stood to reply other charges of corruption against CDPOs of the department.
Madhavlal Singh (Congress), Annapurna Devi and Sanjay Singh Yadav of the RJD raised the matter of the corruption in the appointments of the helpers for different welfare projects of the Government, including Anganwari.
Stating that CDPOs are beyond the control of the Government, the Opposition accused them of taking bribes for the appointments of the helpers. The Opposition even blamed CDPOs for siphoning off money meant for welfare projects.
Everything was fine till the Minister assured to probe the allegation and sought support of the MLAs to run the projects. Chaudhary, however, added that due consent is taken of the MP, MLA and the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned area in the appointment of helpers.
The Opposition protested her statement with high pitched sloganeering often rushing to the well of the House. She continued to stick to her statement. “Please try to understand…she is the first-time MLA. She has become a Minister for the first time…perhaps she might not be aware of this. Please consider it…let her finish,” the Speaker appealed the House.
The Minister was as nervous as a rookie conductor asked to lead a mega philharmonic concert with little knowledge of music.
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