SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Nov 12: Chief Minister Hemant Soren called for a Jharkhand-led government to prioritise local interests, urging residents to “chase away Gujarati and Marathi traders” for a more peaceful Jharkhand.
Speaking at a rally in support of JMM Tundi candidate Mathura Prasad Mahto at Madaidih, Topchanchi block, roughly 40 kilometres from Dhanbad district headquarters, Soren encouraged voters to elect a Jharkhand people-led government dedicated to the development of the state. He emphasised the importance of creating a government focused on the welfare of Jharkhand’s people.
Accusations against BJP and external meddling
Soren further alleged that Assam’s Chief Minister was actively working to destabilise his administration. “The Assam Chief Minister took a ‘supari’ (contract) to try and bring down my government for the past year,” Soren remarked, adding, “BJP will need to be reborn seven times to compete with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.”
He also accused the BJP of hypocrisy, asserting, “BJP gives the slogan ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ yet releases rapists on parole for campaigning.”
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Old pension scheme
Highlighting his government’s social welfare initiatives, Soren criticised the central government’s termination of the old pension scheme. “Pensions are a key resource for people in old age. Jharkhand is the first state to reinstate the old pension scheme for its employees,” he stated.
Soren also mentioned a recent state law, ensuring pensions for all women over 50 and men over 60, noting that previous programs only benefited a limited number of rural residents.
Job creation efforts
In terms of employment, Soren highlighted his administration’s achievements in providing 1.5 lakh jobs to local youth across the government and private sectors.
“We could have created even more jobs if elections hadn’t been called before our term’s completion,” he said, emphasizing the potential for further development if given another chance.
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