THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, February 19: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren-led government during the discussion on the Governor’s address in the Jharkhand Assembly Budget Session, listing what he described as multiple failures across sectors.
At the outset, Marandi demanded that the Speaker remove the Prime Minister’s name from references made in the discussion on the Epstein files.
‘Governor’s speech looked helpless’
Commenting on the Governor’s address, Marandi said, “A speech is a document written by the government and read out by the Governor. But the Governor looked helpless, and the speech itself was helpless. So how can we amend it?”
MLA Pradeep Yadav countered, saying the Opposition had not been allowed to move amendments.
Marandi also questioned Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s foreign visit on January 26, a national day, and raised the issue in the House.
Demand for statues, library on Jharkhand icons
Referring to Jharkhand’s historical leaders, Marandi said the state has produced many great personalities such as Birsa Munda, Jaipal Singh Munda and Dishom Guru, who fought for jal, jungle and zameen (water, forests and land).
He demanded the installation of their statues and the construction of a dedicated library to educate future generations about their struggles.
“The country got Independence, but people here did not get justice. That is why we fought for a separate state. Even today, we are fighting for water, forests and land,” he said.
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Land acquisition and displacement concerns
Marandi strongly criticised land acquisition in Jasidih, alleging that people were being displaced in the name of industrialisation.
“Lathicharge is being used, and bulldozers are running. We visited the area and spoke to the Deputy Commissioner, who said the land was acquired in 1975. Why talk about 1975? Set up industries on barren land, not on tribal agricultural land,” he said.
He urged the government to first rehabilitate displaced families before starting projects and alleged that the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Committee was not functioning effectively.
Raising similar concerns in Amrapada in Dumka district, he said land was being taken for a coal block project.
“We are not opposing coal mining. But give people equivalent land or proper rehabilitation. In Santhal Pargana, land is the only capital and livelihood of the people,” he said.
RIMS-2 and forest land issues
Marandi questioned the proposed RIMS-2 project, stating that land acquired decades ago is currently under cultivation.
“Use barren land in Mandar. Build away from the city if needed, but don’t take away agricultural land from farmers and tribals,” he said.
During the debate, Minister Irfan Ansari alleged that BJP and RSS offices were built on tribal land, accusing the Opposition of double standards.
Marandi responded, “We are not opposing the hospital. Build it on barren land.”
Debate over land acquisition law
Pradeep Yadav accused the BJP of weakening the 2013 Land Acquisition Act in 2015.
Marandi replied that land is a State subject and the present government is responsible for implementing the law in Jharkhand.
Questions over DGP appointments
Turning to law and order, Marandi questioned the appointment process of former DGP Anurag Gupta and his successor, alleging that rules were ignored.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren intervened, stating that the matter is currently before the Supreme Court and should not be discussed.
Marandi, however, maintained that the appointments were made in violation of service rules.
Liquor scam and ACB functioning
Marandi also raised the issue of the alleged liquor scam, claiming that he had been writing letters since 2022.
He said 28 people were named in the case and arrests were made, but default bail was granted as the charge sheet was not filed within 90 days.
“How is the ACB functioning? This reflects the state of the police system,” he said.
Vacant Information Commissioner post
The Opposition leader alleged that the post of Information Commissioner has remained vacant for four to five years, despite it being a constitutional institution created under a law enacted by the Congress to ensure transparency.
Budget announcements ‘unfulfilled’
Expressing disappointment over successive budgets, Marandi said last year’s promise to auction 18 mineral blocks had not been fulfilled.
He also pointed out that the proposed vehicle tracking system to curb illegal mineral transportation has not been implemented.
“Look at the condition of the roads. We submitted a list, but nothing has been done,” he said.
He further claimed that the government failed to meet paddy procurement targets, with farmers alleging that their produce was not being purchased.
The debate witnessed repeated interruptions, reflecting sharp exchanges between the ruling alliance and the Opposition during the Budget Session.