Ranchi: Pradesh Congress Committee chief spokesperson Lal Kishore Nath Shahdeo on Thursday outright rejected allegations made by BJP state president Babulal Marandi, calling them a reflection of his political frustration. Shahdeo said Marandi was leveling baseless charges against Chief Minister Hemant Soren and alliance government in an attempt to regain lost political ground.
Responding to remarks on PESA Act, Shahdeo termed Marandi’s statement “laughable” and said Hemant government remains fully committed to protecting tribal rights over jal, jungle and zameen. He questioned why BJP, which ruled Jharkhand for nearly 20 years, never showed urgency in framing PESA rules during its tenure. He added that present government is serious about implementing law on ground, while BJP is only trying to mislead people.
Shahdeo clarified that state government is following a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining and strict action is being taken wherever complaints are received. He accused Marandi of selectively raising issues and asked why central agencies are allegedly being used only to intimidate political opponents, while BJP remains silent on mafia activities in BJP-ruled states.
He said people of Jharkhand are well aware of who plundered state’s resources like termites in past. Those who looted state exchequer during “double engine” rule were now preaching honesty, he alleged. Shahdeo said whether it is Subarnarekha river or coal belts, government surveillance is strict and no guilty person will be spared.
Accusing BJP of lacking real issues, he said party keeps switching between sand and liquor to malign government. He asserted that High Court orders are being fully respected and all actions are being taken strictly within legal framework.