Ranchi: Capturing the peg of increasing political tensions in Jharkhand, the BJP has unleashed a series of anti-corruption charges against Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday released statements claiming that Soren has fudged his age records, has misrepresented his assets and is presiding over a governance regime which, according to the BJP, is steeped in scams and favouritism. The opposition BJP alleged that ‘JMM’ stands for ‘Jhol (scams), Muslim appeasement, and Mafia to accuse Soren’s government of corruption.
BJP leader Pratul Shah Deo, said that Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s age increased seven years in just five years and it can happen in the state. In a case he filed an affidavit in 2019 the CM disclosed that he was 42 years of age. But in just five years, his age has moved up to 49 years. Did he lie in 2019?” Pratul stated.
JMM Fires Back, Dismissing Allegations As Politically Motivated
JMM leaders have criticised these allegations severely stating that the allegations have been made at the political level to demoralise JMM ahead of state assembly polls. The JMM leader Manoj Pandey countered said, “We have nothing to hide; our records are clear and verifiable.” BJP critics, Pandey suggested that BJP’s criticisms reflect their electoral concerns, adding, They are seeing a huge defeat in front of them, do not lose your mental balance, keep your political spirit, Victory and defeat are natural in politics, but we uphold transparency.”
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: On controversy over Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's age, JMM Leader Manoj Pandey says, "We do not hide anything, nor do we try to hide anything. Everything is crystal clear. Documents are attached and it is verified… They are seeing a huge defeat in… pic.twitter.com/p0edowWXSZ
— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024
While campaigning for the JMM candidate in Ranchi, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji accused the BJP of shifting from development issues to defaming opposition. BJP has again and again come up with baseless issues rather than concern with development, said Maji who echoed confidence in JMM’s victory.
#WATCH | On controversy over Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's age, JMM Rajya Sabha MP & candidate from Ranchi, Mahua Maji says, "BJP raises all kinds of issues. They do not want to fight the election on the issue of development. They try to stab you in the back, but they will not… pic.twitter.com/S6Cga1LEcA
— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024
Political Battle Heats Up As State Elections Approach
On the other hand, Assam CM and BJP’s co-in-charge for Jharkhand elections, Himanta Biswa Sarma, continues the attack on JMM’s governance, calling it “a government of infiltrators” and urging voters to remove them from power. He cited misleading property affidavits and faulted authorities for inaction against JMM MLA Irfan Ansari who recently issued objectionable comments against the the tribal community.
#WATCH | Jamtara: On the controversy over Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's age, Assam CM & BJP co-in-charge for Jharkhand Assembly elections Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "The entire system of JMM is fake. If you look at the details of their property in the affidavit, their age has also… pic.twitter.com/GeqCIX3VOR
— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024
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These allegations have brought political drama to Jharkhand as state elections approach, with both parties claiming their prospects are strong with the increasing controversies.
