MCC letters baffle S&T dept director

Thursday, September 23, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA

Ranchi

An unknown person calling himself a cadre of Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) has been sending threatening letters to senior State officials like Chief Secretary Ashok Singh, Assembly Speaker CP Singh, and whistleblower Madan Yadav, who has filed a corruption case against Science & Technology department director Arun Kumar.

The sender has threatened them of dire consequences if actions were taken against Science & Technology department director Arun Kumar. “If you dare do this, you will be killed within 48 hours,” the letters read.

A fortnight back, Chief Secretary Ashok Singh is believed to have received one such letter.

On Tuesday, Speaker CP Singh received a threatening letter from one Raju Mandal of Sudambudih village of Arki under Ranchi district. Madan Yadav, who has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) to seek a fair probe in the corruption in the Science & Technology department, also received a threatening letter that day. The letters have been sent by the same Raju Mandal, whose identity is yet to be established.

Madan Yadav has been threatened with dire consequences if he does not withdraw his petition against Kumar. “I received the letter on Tuesday. And the person identifying himself as Raju Mandal of the MCC has threatened to kill me if I don’t withdraw case against the director,” he told The Pioneer.

Yadav has lodged a complaint with the Doranda police atation in this regard. However, senior police officials strongly believe there is no involvement of a Maoist cadre behind issuing threatening letters in support of the Science & Technology department director. “There is no named presence or existence of the MCC after its merger in the People’s War Group (PWG),” a senior police official commented. “It is a prank, it is a serious kind of prank that needed to be investigated,” the officer said.

It should be noted that two separate complaints of corruption against Kumar have been filed by Madan Yadav and Shivjee Singh. Speaker CP Singh received the letter after he forwarded the complaint of Shivjee Singh to the Chief Secretary for further action.

However amid an embarrassing support from an unexpected quarter, Science & Technology department director Arun Kumar appeared baffled, quite unable to point out who the man can be. “I do not know who is doing all these. I am not aware of the motive behind the threatening letters. Those who have sent such letters must be a fool,” Dr Arun Kumar told The Pioneer on Tuesday.

Source said that Dr Kumar was summoned by the Chief Secretary on Tuesday evening to probe the matter.

Official source did not rule out it to be a case of internal rivalry in the State bureaucracy. “You cannot rule out that his rivals within the bureaucracy and outside might have been doing all these to keep him in trouble,” a senior police officer said.

“And each time such threatening letters reach people in the power corridor, the corruption charges against Kumar will be refreshed in the public memory,” the official sounded quite logical.

Central leadership picks Goswami as State party chief

Sunday, September 26, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

The Central BJP leadership on Saturday effected a key change in the State BJP; picking party's vice-president Dineshanand Goswami as the next president in a calibrated exercise to strike a synergy between the party and the organisation.

Drafted for a critical and contentious job, as a BJP source said, Goswami was selected for veneer of equidistance with Chief Minister Arjun Munda and outgoing president Raghuwar Das whose differences have embossed the face of the party. Goswami may not display his leaning towards any group and faction; but he is said to be close to Munda.

The post got vacant after Das resigned in January this year, following his induction in the coalition Government led by Shibu Soren. Asked to stay as working president till further arrangements were made, the State BJP had announced to complete the procedure of the appointment of the party president through consensus basis by September 25.

Soon after the announcement Goswami who has been recuperating from leg fracture told The Pioneer that his primary task would be to inject fresh blood in the party organisation.

Goswami used three key words out of his diction; 'consensus', "organisational overhauling" and "expansion of the base of the party" and said he was quite aware of the lurking challenges like factionalism, widening faultline and crumbling index of the party's popularity that has shown a rise in an alarming proportion.

Nevertheless, his selection was greeted with initial whine as both the Chief Minister and party president belong to Jamshedpur.

Even after backroom criticism from a section of the party; Goswami's selection is seen as a great reprieve for Munda. Goswami is in his good books even if he is not a yes man in true spirit. A desperate Munda even lobbied for Dhanbad MP PN Singh, who as the party president in the past got the distinction of being Munda's yesman. Singh's proposed anointment could not graduate beyond the media column. "It could have emitted a wrong signal. We needed a dynamic face who can act as a bridge between the party and the organisation. Goswami is a good choice…he knows the organisation, he has field experience," a senior party leader commented.

But his leadership quality will see a critical test in his hometown Jamshedpur which has turned into a battleground between Das and senior party leader Saryu Rai who are in a war of words to assert their hold on the party organisation. If that requires a proof it can be ascertained from the fact during organisation elections of the party in Jamshedpur. Both factions have been running a parallel organisation and committees in 12 out of 21 blocks. It will be very difficult but a challenging task for him to facilitate détente between two senior leaders.

After Munda's nomination as Chief Minister it was almost certain the post of party president would go to a non-tribal. At one point of time the Central BJP leadership is believed to have decided the name of Sunil Singh for party president. But that process was abandoned after the fall of the Shibu Soren Government. Singh, nevertheless, welcomed the decision and pledged all support to Goswami but remained silent as to why the Central leadership dropped his name. Probably his closeness with Rai proved as the biggest stumbling block. Rai has often been very critical and vocal in criticising his own party and Government.

Goswami's appointment is seen as a long term plan of the party to accommodate different castes and creed in the party fold to increase its base. With CP Singh as Assembly Speaker, Munda as tribal and Goswami as Brahmin leader the Central leadership hopes the combination will work successfully.

But the party cannot ignore the Vaishya community; the mainstay of the party. Nevertheless, Das at the last moment lobbied for reappointment as State president much to the discomfiture of Munda.

Regional imbalances are still to be addressed. There is no representation of Santhal Pargana in the organisation and there has been a greater demand to accommodate party MLA from Santhal Pargana in the Ministry. In a couple of days Munda is expected to open the Pandora's box of Cabinet expansion where such concerns are expected to be addressed. Limited scope and too many aspirations will be a major test for both Goswami and Munda.

Kolhan to hog Munda Cabinet?
Monday | September 27, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

Chief Minister Arjun Munda was in a hurry to return to the State capital to give the finishing touches to much-awaited cabinet expansion in Jharkhand, but the central BJP directed him to stay for a couple of days to attend the meeting of the central election committee of the party.

An important meeting of the central election committee of the BJP will be held on Monday in New Delhi to discuss the final list of the BJP candidates for Bihar Assembly election

It is going to be, probably, the last meeting of central BJP to be attended by Munda as he would have to give up the post of national general secretary of the party following swearing-in as Chief Minister of Jharkhand.

Sources in the BJP said that the alliance partners have ironed out their differences over the allocation of portfolios and the number of berths in the ministry. The BJP might get four berths in the ministry, including the post of CM. Munda is quite keen to retain his trusted Barkuwar Gagrai in the ministry. Nevertheless, a section of party feels Gagrai’s inclusion will unreasonably tilt the balance of the ministry in the favour of Kolhan region since Munda belongs to the same region. Munda’s another trusted man Vaidynath Ram is also expected to find place in the ministry.

The entry of party MLA from Santhal Pargana division Arun Mandal is also expected; it is largely seen as an attempt to correct regional imbalances in the ministry formation. After all, Santhal Pargana has often been whining for not getting adequate representation in the previous coalition government led by Shibu Soren. Mandal’s entry in the ministry is also supported on the ground that it will strengthen the bond of the party with backward community that had slowly started inching away from the party.

But the very political mechanism of the party which has largely been debated in the party might come as a damper for another party MLA from Santhal Pargana division Satyanand Jha ‘Batul’ who once sought support from all ‘faction friend’ Prabhat Jha (Madhya Pradesh BJP president) to get entry in the ministry.

He may believe that his theatrics and histrionics, during floor test and outside, with which he defended and praised Munda’s leadership will pay dividend at last. But under the existing caste combination when a Brahmin — Dinesanand Goswami — has already been appointed as party president things appears tough for Batul.

It may appear cynical to announce that the coming days will bring more drought for party stalwart and Munda’s bete noire — Raghuwar Das. But Munda’s close aides confided that for Das it was quite unlikely to get a berth in the ministry even if he wishes so. Kolhan factor comes again.

“Can you accommodate three Kolhan figures in the ministry? Even if you drop Gagrai, the party organisation and the ministry will be biased in favour of Kolhan. It will be going to be a Jamshedpur centric ministry in such situation,” said a close aide of Munda.

Till central BJP work out a suitable accommodation plan for Das, Kolhan cauldron will keep on boiling.

Farook questions delay in Cabinet expansion

Thursday, September 30, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA
RANCHI

Memories of former Governor Ved Marwah must have haunted Chief Minister Arjun Munda again when Governor MOH Farook on Wednesday asked him to explain the reason behind delay in Cabinet expansion.

A day back, Munda in an official communiqué to Raj Bhavan wished to expand his ministry on October 8, but the Governor was reported to be not satisfied over extension of another one week for the cabinet expansion. Farook wants him to complete his Cabinet under the light of Article 164 (1) (A) of the Constitution.

In 2004, then Governor Marwah had threatened Munda to dissolve his Government as the number of ministers in his Cabinet fell short of requisite numbers --- 11 against prescribed 12 ministers, under the said Article.

Sources in the Raj Bhavan confided that Farook during 25 minute meeting with Munda wanted him to explain the reasons behind delay in Cabinet expansion.

Munda said: “I have explained reasons behind the delay. It is our belief that good works must be started on auspicious moment. The delay is not deliberate…ongoing Pitri Paksha is not seen auspicious to start an important work or assignment.”

Raj Bhavan may not like to pick quarrel with the Government on this front but as sources said, “Extending Cabinet expansion beyond October 8 will be quite unwelcome.”

Nevertheless, Munda appeared firm in his view that Cabinet expansion was a sole prerogative of the Chief Minister. “I will expand the Cabinet on the given date but it can be expanded before October 8 or after also. It depends upon situation.”

Interestingly, Raj Bhavan received the communication regarding the Cabinet expansion on Tuesday at a time when Farook was entertaining a delegation of Congress-JVM Opposition that raised objection over delay in Cabinet expansion. Asking the Governor to act under the light of Constitution, the Opposition even demanded the dismissal of the Munda Government for its failure to follow Article 164.

The Opposition repeatedly mentioned that in the year 2004 similar constitutional crisis had cropped up when Marwah had almost decided to dismiss Munda's Government after Munda made considerable delay in maintaining minimum number of ministers in his Cabinet. In a late Tuesday evening development, Raj Bhavan sources said, Farook summoned Advocate General Sohail Anwar to seek opinion over the implication of the Article.

Under the Article 164, the Chief Minister of a State is bound to retain 15 per cent of the total strength of the house or a minimum of 12 ministers in the Cabinet --- which so ever is applicable.

But constitutional experts claim that the Article does not mention any timeline or deadline under which a CM needed to act.

In 2004, Munda was forced to induct Satyanand Bhokta on August 26 in his ministry after Raj Bhavan in a late night communication to the CMO threatened to dismiss his Government.

Munda plans quiet ride on DMU
October 2, 2010


VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

After initial euphoria of Government formation and media reports about bickering among allies on the portfolios, Chief Minister Arjun Munda is now keen on keeping a veto power on all departments.

After staying in New Delhi for a couple of days, along with his deputy Chief Ministers Hemant Soren of the JMM and Sudesh Mahato of the AJSU, to resolve logjam over portfolio distribution, Munda returned to the State capital on Wednesday evading "whose who" of his cabinet that will be expanded on October 8.

Prior to his arrival in the State capital, Munda directed Chief Secretary AK Singh to prepare a "vision document" for the execution of plans and projects — both long and short term — of key departments. Sources in the CMO attributed it to be the evolving concept of Direct Monitoring Unit (DMU).

"A fortnight back this Government was formed. Now, people will reasonably want to know as how he (Munda) wants to proceed," said a CMO official.

Mentioning rural development, agriculture, irrigation, plans to control drought, road, electricity, safe drinking water, infrastructural development, health and a few others as major thrust area, Munda directed the CS to present a blueprint for the effective execution.

Though, no credible information about backroom negotiation over portfolio distribution is available, except very keenness of Munda to retain key departments like energy, road construction and rural development with him those directly associated with the public.

The JMM is baiting for the energy, whereas the AJSU is reported to be interested in retaining road construction department.

"Whosoever alliance partners get these key departments, but the Chief Minister wants DMU and delivery mechanism firmly under his supervision to supervise the flagship projects he wishes to unveil," source close to Munda said.

Sources said that the formula of DMU is still in conceptual phase, "its final shape will be decided only after his two Deputy Chief Ministers Hemant Soren of the JMM and Sudesh Kumar Mahato of the AJSU agree," sources said accepting "some pocket of resistance."

The allies might reasonably fear DMU as an instrument to superimpose the authority of the Chief Minister in the regular and key affairs of such departments.

On being asked, Munda evaded a direct reply. "Running Government is a team work. It is quite immaterial that who runs the department. Effective monitoring and timely action is the key responsibility of the Government." Munda remarked.

Munda took oath on September 11 and proof to his DMU intention became official four days later. He directed the Chief Secretary of the Government and Principal Secretary of Road Construction Department to complete formalities of ambitious 311-km Govindpur via Sahebganj road construction project within 15 days. Munda will inaugurate the ambitious project, with estimated cost of Rs 1,064 crore, in Dumka on October 2. On the very first day in the office, Munda directed the Energy Secretary to prepare a roadmap for 'zero power cut.' Informally these departments have not been slotted to anybody.

In the words of a close member of CM's inner circle, Munda has taken lesson from the mistakes from his two previous terms. "Ministers of his previous two Governments, particularly independents, had grown audacious in running the departments. There was none to stop them because they commanded for the survival of the Government."

Compulsion of coalition politics is still at its place but it is not so dominant, though. After the fall of the coalition Government led by the Chief Minister Shibu Soren, none wants to let the Government down, the JMM in particular. Munda knows it well, and, he planning a quite ride on DMU.

CM seeks Plan panel support for progress
October 3

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

Quite keen over the development of Jharkhand; Chief Minister Arjun Munda has sought support from the Planning Commission of India to discuss the issue of development and planning of Jharkhand.

Talking to selected mediapersons at his residence, on Saturday, before leaving for Jamshedpur, Munda said that the meeting is expected to be held in Ranchi on October 19.

“I want to know where we are lacking. We will make presentation before the members and experts of the Commission. It will help us to correct the things…it will guide us in devising plans and projects in the coming days, Munda said.

Munda has already spoken to member Commission; Sudha Pillai a few days back and she agreed to offer and supply all support and expertise in setting things aright.

“My entire Cabinet, top officials of the departments will take part in the meeting. Each department will make separate presentation of the plans and projects which will be analysed by the team of experts, Munda added. While roads and electricity are two key concerns of the Government, Munda said that he wanted to expand the network of road in Jharkhand.

Talking about the absence of any credible data and index of the human resource in Jharkhand he said that the Commission’s meeting would broaden his understanding over how to use human resources for all rounded development of Jharkhand.

Munda has already instructed Chief Secretary AK Singh to submit detailed report of every department along with its budgetary outlay of the current financial year and the resources actually required.

Keen to carry on ambitious biometric card project in Jharkhand Munda said that he was personally interested for successful execution of this plan. “Think. How things will be changed if the people hold a biometric card. A single card will hold all information of the holder of the card. It will be big thing,” Munda said. Munda has already sought a detailed project report and the roadmap for the execution of biometric card in Jharkhand.

Munda rushes to Delhi for party’s nod

Thursday, October 7, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA | RANCHI

Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday strode adroitly across the trickiest terrain in the coalition politics, smothering murmurs of differences over sharing of ministerial berths with alliance partners, yet leaving the door ajar for conjecture over the shape of his Cabinet.

"All nine vacant posts in the Cabinet will be filled on October 8 as proposed," Munda told the media after holding the meeting of party's legislative body. He said, "The meeting was called to obtain feedbacks and suggestions on the functioning of his Government in the last one month."

Top BJP sources said that Munda during the meeting sought assurance from the party MLAs that the decision over the selection of names will not be resented stating that a final decision will be taken only after due consultation with party seniors in New Delhi.

Munda parried couple of pointed questions over the proposed faces in the Cabinet — regional, gender or otherwise — offering tailor-made answers.

Asked whether he will induct a woman in his ministry, he said, "There are several factors like caste, creed and region that are taken into consideration while such decisions are taken." Munda said that he will take development into consideration while taking a final call on the catalogue competing clamour for the ministerial berths. He was asked the question in the wake of splintered women voice in the BJP that met party's national organisational secretary Saudan Singh on Wednesday seeking assurance of the representation of a woman face in Munda's ministry.

JD(U)'s Sudha Chaudhary, who held portfolio in the previous coalition government of the JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD(U) combine, took umbrage over Munda's circumlocution over the representation of a woman in the ministry. She replied with a stern note: "Ministerial berth is our right. We have spoken to the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and party national president Sharad Yadav about our claim…Coalition partners will get apt representation in the ministry."

Chaudhary is less concerned for her party; "her concern is more personal," said a senior BJP leader. In the previous Cabinet expansion exercise, Chaudhary, owing to her strong connection in the JD(U) as her brother Udaynarayan Chaudhary is the Speaker of the Bihar Assembly, had tilted central unit's support in her favour. But this time she is facing another big problem --- JD(U) MLA from Tamar Raja Peter; who is close to Chief Minister Arjun Munda may favour his induction.

Soon after the meeting, Munda flew to New Delhi to take high command's consent on the proposed list of ministers from the BJP quota. CMO sources said that Munda will consult some of the top leaders over the names. He is scheduled to return today.

The Chief Minister kept the claimants within his party guessing about the sharing of seats --- BJP one (CM post) plus three, JMM one (Dy CM) plus four, AJSU one (Dy CM) plus one and JD (U) one. Another formula thoroughly discussed at the State BJP office does not mention the JD(U) in the ministry.

In the BJP camp, Baidyanath Ram looked confident. Munda personally wishes to retain his trusted MLA Barkuwar Gagrai, but the latter faces challenge from Nilkanth Singh Munda, who was minister in the previous Government. Munda is under pressure to give representation to Santhal Pargana. Arun Mandal and Satyanand Jha Batul are the two and only claimants belonging to Santhal Pargana.

Significantly former party president and MLA Raghuwar Das kept himself out of the deliberation. Notwithstanding, his close aides defended his absence due to his preoccupation with some public functions in his hometown; everybody in the party and outside now know as to why Das kept himself away. "He has no business here," a senior party leader said.

Munda's Navratna: Picture by Mukesh Bhatt




Nine Ministers take oath

October 9, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA | RANCHI


After putting Cabinet expansion exercise in abeyance for nearly one month, Chief Minister Arjun Munda claimed his Cabinet is the combination of fresh flair, innovation and talent after nine MLAs took oath as minister of the coalition Government on Friday.

Munda made last-minute contentious changes in the proposed list of the Minister from the BJP on Thursday night leaving many baffled while some took an understanding view of the choices made — political, personal or otherwise.

"It is a composite and balanced team representing cross section of society. They will do something innovative for the betterment of Jharkhand," Munda said after the oath-taking ceremony at Raj Bhawan.

To give a different look of the ministry, not to be seen as a carryover of the Shibu Soren-led JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD(U) coalition Government, he pulled on board four new faces — Satyanand Jha Batul and Bimla Pradhan (BJP), Raja Peter (JD-U) and Champai Soren (JMM). He jettisoned four others — Raghuwar Das and Nilkanth Singh Munda (BJP), Sudha Chaudhary (JD-U) and Umakant Rajak (AJSU), who were ministers in the Soren Government. Rest of the old faces — Hemlal Murmu, Hazi Hussain Ansari and Mathura Mahato (all from JMM) and Chandra Prakash Chaudhary of the AJSU and Baidyanath Ram — have been retained.

Das' close aides claimed that he was unwilling to join Munda's Cabinet as subordinate but in the light of trickiest scheme of regional balancing act and his soared relationship with Munda; his induction in the ministry was declared beforehand quite unlikely.

Das, who enjoyed number two positions in the Soren Government as deputy Chief Minister, had no podium moment today, but he was talk of the political circle. He was among those important absentee who did not attend oath-taking ceremony along with Nilkanth Singh, Teklal Mahato, Simon Marandi and Lobin Hembrum of the JMM, Sudha and Kamal Kishore Bhagat of the AJSU. Discreetly they aired their grudge over Cabinet expansion as today's exercise left many fumed and exasperated.

"It is yes-man selection by Deputy CM Hemant. Seniors have been neglected," Simon said predicting gloomy days ahead for the Government. Teklal spew less venom but he is ready to bite whenever situation arises.

In the AJSU, the dissidence broke even before the official announcement and reached to the public square on Thursday evening. Supporters of Adivashi Kalyan Parishad protested AJSU chief and Deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Kumar Mahto for ignoring Bhagat. They termed him a practitioner of dynastic politics. The entry of Chandra Prakash in the ministry —his close relative, was protested so stoutly that a sulked Sudesh even did not talk to the media at Raj Bhawan as to how he feels about the balanced and composite cabinet.

Munda kept everybody guessing. Around 8pm on Thursday night, party MLA from Santhal Pargana division Arun Mandal was sure to be taken in the ministry. The name of Nilkanth Singh, party sources claimed, was almost agreed to represent Chhotanagpur division.

Munda sprang the last-minute surprise that night and replaced Mandal with Batul, who belongs to Santhal Pargana division, and Nilkanth with Pradhan from Chhotanagpur division. Jha had not dreamt so much of kindness from Munda.

Munda left Mandal star struck on late Thursday night when he told Mandal, 'Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain. Abhi politics me imtehan aur bhi hain.'

Munda displayed 'hitting three birds with single' stone' act. He was not keen to retain Nilkanth and Sudha in the ministry. He wanted Peter, who is close to him. By bringing Pradhan in the ministry, he calmed the clamour for woman's representation insuring Chhotanagpur division is not left out.

Munda's ministers have yet to revel fresh flair; the day proved Munda is more innovative and talented in team selection exercise.

Not face to face; but friends under coalition’s compulsion
October 10, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA | RANCHI

Raja Peter is a dark and lovely irony of this coalition Government: dark and lovely like his flowing silky hair.

This JD (U) MLA’s induction in the coalition Ministry led by Arjun Munda on Saturday was loathed by fairly shrunken ranks of the loyalists of JMM chief Shibu Soren whom Peter had finished in the by-election of Tamar assembly seat in January 2009.

“We accept that coalition politics means compulsion and compromise with the circumstances. Even after, we are not able to digest his elevation as Minister. We cannot
erase the past memory and scratches of humiliation.

I do not know how Soren and others are feeling now,” a central secretary of the JMM said soon after the oath-taking ceremony on Saturday.

In the BJP-JMM-AJSU-JD (U) coalition Government where Soren has been appointed as
chairman; Cabinet steering committee; Soren is sure for a frequent encounter with Peter.

But then, JMM has been in no position to dictate the list of the Ministers of the coalition parties. Peter’s selection had the official nod of the JD (U) with the backing of Munda.

“Politically I am not opposed to Peter. But average JMM workers have not forgotten the defeat of Soren and they dislike Peter more then they like Soren. Despite our repeated efforts and plea Peter and likes had not withdrawn from the contest.

Their sole objective was to defeat Soren. Now you are shaking hands,” senior JMM leader and Littipara MLA Simon Marandi said.

But then, it is coalition politics. “Be it coalition politics or collision politics; certain things never change. For JMM leaders; politics is a business to make fast bucks,” Marandi said.
Peter had contested as Jharkhand Party candidate and the defeat changed the face of State politics: Soren had to resign as Chief Minister of the coalition Government and faced the biggest political drubbing and humiliation of his life.

The man fashioned himself in a new identity Abhutpurva Bidhayak, (extraordinary MLA) after the election result accepting that defeating a serving Chief Minister would remain the biggest achievement of his political career; short yet shining. But then he had become the member of that exclusive club of the politicians, who at some point of time had defeated any serving Chief Minister or Prime Minister.Peter became the poster boy of State politics, but, Soren’s loyalists never forgot and never forgave him for dashing the cultivated image of their master in the battlefield of Tamar: Invincible Guru.


Nevertheless, after the result Peter could not see the face of the State Assembly as Jharkhand was brought under President’s rule for an extended period. He was loath to admit Abhutpurva Bidhayak again — its meaning had totally changed as he once said that he felt neither like a sitting nor former MLA. Peter later on contested as JD (U) candidate from Tamar in the last Assembly election.

Soren again became Chief Minister with the support of the BJP-AJSU and JD (U) and Peter was eager to erase that negative imprint. He got cold response. He is still attempting a thaw.

“Tamar election was a different story; it was an election. Soren will always remain a respected leader of Jharkhand. He has blessed me and will guide us with his vision for the development of Jharkhand,” Peter said.

The dark and unlovely irony is that Soren seems to have still not recovered from the Tamar shock.

He flinched when Peter bent down to seek his blessings after taking oath. Was it a blessing, was it a curse it is is mystry.

Munda allocates portfolio, retains energy and road with him

Alliance partners swap role in government


VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI

Chief Minister Arjun Munda allocated portfolios among his ministers while keeping two key departments Energy and Road despite last moment pressure and whining of alliance partners JMM and AJSU to hand over the two plum portfolios under agreed portfolio swapping formula.

Top sources confided that Munda could not lay his hand over Mining Department as the JMM refused to concede further. The department was allocated to JMM minister and Deputy Chief Minister Hemant Soren along with Finance, Commercial Tax, Urban Development and Housing, Drinking Water and Sanitation and Civil Aviation.

A list to this effect Munda sent to the Governor MOH Farook on late Saturday night for assent after marathon meeting with Hemant and Sudesh Kumar Mahto of the AJSU. It was notified on Sunday.

Munda retained Personnel Department, Administrative Reform, Cabinet Secretariat and Coordination, Home, Vigilance, Planning and Development and all those departments which have not been allocated to anybody.

Under formula agreed by the coalition partners reported by The Pioneer on September 9, the BJP and the JMM had agreed to swap its respective portfolio retained during the previous JMM-BJP-AJSU-JD (U) government led by Shibu Soren.

‘Road Construction Department’ came as a considerable loss for the AJSU as Deputy CM Sudesh was quite keen to continue with this department. But he retained Rural Development along with NREP Youth Sports and Cultural Affairs, NREP, Panchyati Raj Institution, Forest and Environment. Sudesh was awarded Water Resource portfolio which was retained by the minister of his party Chandra Prakash Chaudhary.

While Chaudhary got Science and Technology, Building construction, Labour employment—a key department he held in the previous government ‘Drinking Water and Sanitation went to the JMM.

There was a mutual swap of the HRD and the Health Department and Family Welfare — the JMM and the BJP agreed for. HRD went to BJP’s Baidyanath Ram where as Health Department will be now headed JMM Minister Hemlal Murmu who was handed over another two departments — Family Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs.

Cabinet’s only minority face Hazi Hussain Ansari of the JMM remained more or less in the same role as minister of ‘Minority Welfare Development with minor addition of Cooperative Department.

Mathura Mahato of the JMM will look after Food, Public Distribution System and Consumer Affairs and Revenue and Land Reform. The first two departments were retained by the BJP in the past ministry. Champai Soren of the JMM who became the minister after the BJP conceded one berth for the JMM is set to stir Transport Department as well as Tribal. The JD (U) which got one berth in the ministry, its minister Raja Peter has been given the assignment of Excise and Prohibition, Disaster Management Department. Earlier these two departments remained with Soren himself when he was the CM of the coalition government. BJP’s Bimla Pradhan, the lone woman in the ministry has been allocated ‘Social Welfare’, ‘Woman and Child Development’ and Tourism.

BJP’s Satyanand Jha Batul is a baffling case of gloom after high hope. He had strongly lobbied for HRD and landed in the barn of Animal Husbandry. This ‘strictly vegetarian’ minister has to look after the Department of Fisheries. Nevertheless, another two significant departments Agriculture and Sugarcane are with him.

A preemptive letter to stop piecemeal cabinet expansion


Governor MOH Farook writing to Chief Minister Arjun Munda not to defer cabinet expansion exercise beyond October 8, sources in the Raj Bhavan said, “is a preemptive measure to stop Munda from a piecemeal cabinet expansion.”

Farook on Friday dropped a missive to the CMO to complete cabinet formation exercise by October 8 under the light of the Article 164 (A1) of the Constitution. Nevertheless, Munda in his official communiqué to Governor on September 28 had already informed that the cabinet will be expanded on October 8.

The letter left CMO baffled, offering a miffed reaction — quite unwilling for a riposte. “Do you think we should write a letter? It will be an endless exercise. Things were explained to him through official communiqué. CM reaffirmed this during his one to one meeting with Governor,” a close political aide of Munda said.

Nevertheless, CMO sources close to The Pioneer tried to downplay it denying that the Friday letter was embossed with strong adjectives and harsh message as some section of the media reported.

But in second admittance he told something else. “How can Governor report to the Centre if CM is not expanding his cabinet? Is there timeline mentioned in the Article to expand the cabinet to the prescribed limit?”

Former Governor Ved Marwah had also over-interpreted Article 164 in the year 2004 when Munda was CM, and, Marwah got a fit reply from Saryu Rai, the leader added.

But the fact of the matter, as a top BJP source said: “Munda does not want to expand his cabinet at one go. He wants it in a piecemeal manner in three phases. Certain coalition compulsions and differences over the selection of faces for the ministry in the party as well as alliance partners have delayed this process.”

For example, clamouring for ministerial berths — and dissension if denied — is has become an uncontrolled epidemic in the JMM. The AJSU leadership on record displayed politically mature face over the shape of the coming ministry. But internally it sulked and shuddered over any attempt to reduce its share in the government from three to two. Accommodating demands of the allies in the government is a problem for Munda. The leadership even planned to drop JD (U) from the ministry by offering some suitable package. But the JD (U) is quite unprepared to get slaughtered.
The first phase of cabinet expansion is over while the second will take place on October 8. And, if Cm is probably planning for third one Farook may like to pronounce monosyllabic ‘Main’ (I) to administer oath to a minister: letter has made so.

CIP student fights for justice, Institute in denial mode

September 10, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA RANCHI

Social psychologists Ross, Lepper and Hubbard painstakingly experimented to bring us ‘Belief Perseverance Theory’ to explain unwillingness of some people to admit that their foundational premises of beliefs were incorrect even when shown convincing evidence to the contrary.

The theory seems to be dominant upon the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) at least in the case of ragging and molestation of one of the students of the institute Sneha Tripathi by two senior doctors; Dr Amrit and Dr Sanjay, during a picnic spree.

Tripathi pursuing PhD course in clinical psychology from the institute, was allegedly molested by the duo — hit her by volleyball and plunging her head in the water body of Panchghagh waterfall at Murhu on September 5.

Tripathi has lodged a formal complaint with the director of the institute S Haq Nizami. A two member committee has been formed to investigate the case.

The committee is yet to come to a conclusion but the jury are out to pass the judgment. Jury number one: Nizami. “It a matter between two individuals. It is not the case of ragging or molestation,” Nizami told The Pioneer after much prodding. “The committee will soon give its report.” Nizami unknowingly dropped a broad hint about what could be the findings of the report.

Tripathi on Thursday narrated her woe before the media on the premise of the institute alleging authorities for hushing up the case. “I have not gone to the police to lodge my complaint so far. But now I doubt to get justice from the institute.” Tripathi is singularly fighting knowing well she is neither “first nor the last student of the institute who was humiliated in the name of ragging.

While Amrit is a pass out of the institute, Sanjay works as a doctor here. But instead of admitting the wrong and administering exemplary dose of discipline the CIP authorities initially even refused to acknowledge the fact.

Dr D Ram, administrative officer of CIP changed his version twice — half acceptance at one moment and a very quick denial the very next minute.

“Institution is in such a denial it is because of the fact that both the doctors enjoy the patronage of the professors and management of the institute…otherwise the fact remains what Tripathi has said,” observed one of the students of the institute.

Sadly enough, the dirty departments have clandestinely cropped on the institute’s premise running whisper campaign to prove her a compulsive liar. Some have gone up to the extent of investigating the medical history of her family desperately trying to prove her a case of psychological disorder.

Dr Amrit defended himself terming it a minor brawl after the volleyball inadvertently hit her. “I had promptly sought apology. But she is exaggerating the case complaining that I pushed her head in the water during the game.”

Psychological experts will explain you that the person holds his view more tenaciously even after the fact is attested as true by many others.

“Ragging? What ragging you are talking about? No molestation. No case,” the institute reminded. Call it Belief Perseverance; call it an attempt to deny justice: as you like.

picture by Mukesh Bhatt



Binod Sinha sent to 10 days CBI remand
September 19, 2010

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi

Former Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda’s close aide and co-accused in the Rs 4,000 crore money laundering scam; Binod Sinha, had obtained a fake driving licence in the name of Amit Yadav.

He used this driving licence as a document to travel across the country. The CBI while arresting Sinha on Wednesday in New Delhi seized the driving licence from his possession issued from Jharkhand. Sources in the CBI however refused to reveal the details of the driving licence.

“The agency strongly doubts Sinha used the driving licence to book tickets and only might have used it as identity proof while boarding the flight,” a source said, refusing to share details of the driving licence.

During the raid, the source said, the CBI seized a dozen hair wigs, artificial beards, moles and other cosmetic items. It only goes on to suggest that Sinha used makeup to hide his persona to evade his arrest. The CBI during the raid also found at least 16 SIM cards of different countries and several international calling cards. Besides the aforesaid things the CBI has also laid its hand on a diary.

Sinha who was arrested in New Delhi was brought to the State capital Ranchi on Saturday under tight security. Sinha was taken to the CBI headquarters where he was subjected to intense grilling for an hour. Later on he was produced before the court of Pankaj Kumar. Sinha was sent to 10 days CBI remand.

Public prosecutor Rakesh Prasad appeared on the behalf of the CBI while Pandey Niraj Roy argued on the behalf of Sinha.

Before producing Sinha before the CBI court in Ranchi the CBI had secured transit remand from the court of special judge AS Yadav from a Delhi court.

The court allowed the CBI to take the accused on transit remand, disregarding his contention that there was a stay on his arrest by the apex court as he failed to substantiate his arguments with documentary evidence.

In another development, the Supreme Court, on Friday; rejected the bail petition of Vikash Sinha, brother of Binod Sinha. Vikash was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate for his alleged involvement in hawala and illegal transactions in a similar case, last year.

Vikash has been charged under Sections 409, 420, 465, 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act by the ED.

A bench of Justices B Sudershan Reddy and SS Nijjar upheld the decision of the Jharkhand High Court that had dismissed his bail plea sought on medical grounds.

The bench while terming the case as “serious in nature” observed that the accused can seek relief after three months.

No role of industrial houses in Govt formation: Munda
September 20, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA | RANCHI

Chief Minister Arjun Munda refuted the media reports that industrial houses were behind the Government formation exercise in Jharkhand. Speaking to the media at the Ranchi airport on Sunday afternoon, Munda denied the allegation. "It is a false charge. There was no involvement of the industrial houses in the Government formation exercise," said the Chief Minister.

Munda was reacting to reporting in some of the section in the media that Nagpur-based industrialist Ajay Kumar Sancheti (member of BJP national executive body and close aide of party's national president Nitin Gadkari) and two others --- Tulsi Ram Agarwal (an industrialist from Bhubaneswar) and Sandeep Kalia played active role in Government formation.

The revelation exposed the bickering in the Jharkhand BJP after the State BJP president Raghuwar Das told a TV news channel that Sancheti had asked him to call the party meeting to anoint Munda party candidate for the CM post.

"I do not know and have not seen what Raghuwarji said," Munda said adding: "Sancheti and his family have a long association with the BJP and the RSS. Where is the involvement of industrial houses?

Munda put a lid over the controversy when asked about the involvements of other two. "It is Opposition's ploy to malign the party and the Government. But the party insiders said that the controversy has already snowballed into a major contention.

Munda, nevertheless, appeared unruffled over blunt talk of Das but sources close to him confided that the former has asked his flanks to stay alert to take on Das.

However, Das refused to be labeled as bad catalyst who added one more controversy in the party over Government formation at time when top central leadership, including LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitely had disliked Munda's plan to form coalition Government with the help of the JMM.
"
Please go through my verbatim over screen. I said nothing over the role of industrial house since I do not know anything about it," Das told The Pioneer.

"Sanchetiji had called me that night. I told him that I will follow the instruction of the party president; be it my resignation or holding legislative meeting of the party to elect a new leader," Das clarified.

Known for their differences, Das and Munda have been airing different views over Government formation from the very first day the party had withdrawn its support to the Shibu Soren Government in April.

Interestingly, BJP sources expressed no surprise over the role of industrial houses behind Government. "Nowadays industrial houses playing active role in Government formation and even as chief negotiator is an acceptable phenomenon," a senior party leader said.

"In the month of the April when the BJP was trying to renegotiate with the JMM to form Government; same people and houses were actively backing the effort," he pointed out.

"The only difference is that last time industrialists and people including Sancheti had backed Das for the CM post even after he enjoyed no support of party MLAs. This time Munda wrested the opportunity because he emerged as the front runner," the leader said.

Munda takes oath as CM
September 15, 2010

Vijay Deo Jha | RANCHI | Nation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Munda cheers varsity employees with Sixth Pay Commission

September 15, 2010

VIJAY DEO JHA | RANCHI

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

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

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

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

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

Munda sure of winning trust vote
September 15, 2010

Vijay Deo Jha | Ranchi | Nation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pix Malay Kumar




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

VIJAY DEO JHA | RANCHI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q:And what about corruption?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Correspondent: Media will extend you full cooperation.

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

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

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

Q: And bureaucracy?

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

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

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

Q: What about Operation Green Hunt?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Munda sails through with 45 Ayes

VIJAY DEO JHA
RANCHI 15 September Front Page Nation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cong, JVM sing different tunes on President’s rule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

However peacemakers from both the sides are working overtime.

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