Ranchi:
There is a saying that goes, “There’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip.” This proverb holds true for the current situation in Jharkhand. Champai Soren has claimed the support of 47 MLAs from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress, and RJD and has taken oath as Chief Minister. However, tomorrow he faces a majority test in the Assembly, and recent developments indicate that the battle is far from over.
Among the 47 MLAs, one has come out strongly against former Chief Minister Hemant Soren, whose resignation initiated the process for the formation of a new government. Sources have also stated that another JMM legislator is currently unreachable and is likely to skip the floor test tomorrow. Despite these challenges, the JMM has expressed confidence that it has enough numbers to secure a majority in the 81-member Assembly.
Today, a JMM MLA accused Hemant Soren of disregarding his advice, which ultimately led to his imprisonment. Lobin Hembrom, who represents the Borio seat in Sahibganj district, made these remarks during an event organized by a non-political organization. He criticized the JMM’s 2019 state polls manifesto, which promised the implementation of the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act. Hembrom also highlighted the non-implementation of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, a central law that empowers the gram sabha to protect tribals from exploitation.
While the first two laws aim to safeguard the land rights of tribals, the PESA Act would provide more significant authority to the gram sabha. Hembrom stated, “The gram sabha has no power now. If the PESA Act was implemented, it would be more powerful. When none of these shields (for tribals) was implemented, we were forced to form this forum, Jharkhand Bachao Morcha.”
The MLA expressed his intention to sever all ties with the JMM and criticized the unresolved issues concerning tribal rights in Jharkhand. He also acknowledged the struggles faced during the formation of the state and mentioned the accusations of a land scam involving Hemant Soren, who is currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate. Champai Soren, with the support of 47 MLAs from JMM, Congress, and RJD, assumed office after Hemant Soren’s resignation. However, he must prove his government’s majority in the Assembly tomorrow.
Hembrom stated that he would closely observe the functioning of the state government under Champai Soren and continue to raise these issues in the Assembly. Regarding the land scam allegations and irregularities, he claimed that IAS officers were involved and emphasized the lack of enforcement of the CNT Act. The MLA also criticized the Jharkhand government, led by a tribal Chief Minister, for being controlled by non-tribals.
JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya confirmed that they have spoken to Mr. Hembrom, who will be present for the floor test tomorrow. However, another MLA, Chamra Linda from Bishunpur constituency, is currently unreachable. While JMM leaders cited his illness as the reason for his absence, sources reveal that party leaders have been unable to establish contact with him. Earlier, Linda had also criticized the JMM government for its lack of concrete steps towards tribal welfare.
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