Babulal Marandi rakes up corruption issue in Ghatshila by-poll campaign
Ghatshila, Oct 25: BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has intensified his attack on the Hemant Soren-led government,…
Ghatshila, Oct 25: BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has intensified his attack on the Hemant Soren-led government, making corruption and misgovernance the central themes of his campaign for the Ghatshila by-election.
Addressing a workers’ conference at the Dampada Haat ground, Marandi accused the ruling INDI alliance of failing the people of Jharkhand during its six-year tenure. He alleged that under the current government, the state has witnessed widespread irregularities, poor governance, and administrative collapse.
Government of Brokers and Middlemen, Says Marandi
Marandi alleged that Jharkhand no longer has an “Abua Sarkar” (people’s government) but one “run by brokers, middlemen, and corrupt individuals.” He claimed that state resources — including minerals such as sand, iron, and coal — are being exploited under political protection, resulting in significant loss to the state exchequer.
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He further accused the administration of neglecting essential public services, stating that hospitals lack medicines, doctors, and ambulances, while schools are facing an acute shortage of teachers. According to Marandi, even social welfare schemes such as old-age pensions, disability pensions, and the Maiya Samman Yojana have been marred by corruption and irregularities.
Public Discontent and Law Enforcement Allegations
The BJP leader alleged that the poor are being harassed by local authorities, especially in the matter of sand supply for construction. He claimed that while small transporters are penalised and extorted, large-scale operators linked to middlemen go unchecked due to alleged police collusion.
Marandi also raised concerns over the plight of Jharkhand’s youth, asserting that recruitment exams are frequently cancelled, and that government jobs are being “sold.” He said unemployment has become a major issue as both jobs and unemployment allowances remain out of reach for the state’s youth.
Concerns Over Tribal Rights and Demographic Changes
Highlighting tribal issues, Marandi accused the state government of failing to safeguard tribal land rights and women’s safety. He also claimed that Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators were being settled in Ghatshila, which he said was altering the region’s demographic composition.
Marandi questioned how the government could continue to call itself a “people’s government” amid what he described as rising lawlessness and exploitation.
BJP Showcases Its Track Record
Defending his party’s record, Marandi said that if any government has worked for the welfare of tribal, Dalit, and backward communities, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the creation and early development of Jharkhand and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for continuing to prioritise the state’s growth and dignity for its indigenous communities.
Marandi alleged that the Hemant Soren government has consistently obstructed central schemes aimed at improving the lives of Jharkhand’s people.
Voters Urged to Send a Strong Message
Concluding his address, Marandi urged party workers to reach every household to ensure the victory of NDA candidate Babulal Soren in the Ghatshila by-election. He said the election presents an opportunity for the people to “teach the government a lesson” on corruption and misgovernance, even if it does not change the government’s composition.
“The people of Jharkhand have made up their minds. This by-election is about sending a message that the public will no longer tolerate loot, corruption, and administrative decay,” Marandi said.
