Ranchi: JMM central general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya has accused former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi and BJP of spreading confusion over eviction of encroachments on SEC land. Addressing a press conference at the party office in Harmu, Bhattacharya said BJP is misleading people on the issue, whether it concerns illegal encroachments on railway land or SEC property. He emphasised that both fall under the central government’s jurisdiction, and any action was initiated based on correspondence from the relevant central authorities, with no role of the state government. Bhattacharya alleged that Marandi is attempting to politicise the matter at the state government’s expense.
Bhattacharya urged Marandi to first discuss the matter with the local MP, who also holds a ministerial position in the central government. Challenging Marandi, he said that before demanding a siege of the Chief Minister’s residence, he should demonstrate by surrounding the Railway Board office in Hatiya and the SEC office. He accused the BJP of creating confusion among the public under the pretext of this issue.
Highlighting demographic concerns, he questioned who currently resides in sectors 2 and 3 of Dharwa and when they were settled, asserting that Marandi should answer these queries. Criticizing the BJP further, he recalled the Supreme Court intervention when a large land allotment was proposed to Reliance in Assam, and cited similar instances across Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh where the party facilitated industrial land deals.
Bhattacharya said that JMM understands the pain of displacement better than anyone, which led to the establishment of the Displacement Commission. He alleged that the BJP aligns with land brokers, appearing publicly only when brokers face difficulties. Regarding the DMAT fund irregularities, he noted that local MPs act as chairpersons of the fund, and during reported mismanagement, BJP legislators were in charge of the respective districts.
On illegal coal mining issues, Bhattacharya pointed out that CISF personnel deployed there are under central government control. He also criticized Marandi for questioning illegal mining in Dhanbad, suggesting he is placing his own party in an awkward position. He mentioned the completion of 100 years of the Rinpas project, stressing the need for an informed administrator, and referred to court comments on sand mining, noting that official regulations are being formulated.
Reacting to the Vice President election, Bhattacharya said that Biju Janata Dal leaders advocate support for the United India Alliance candidate but fail to vote themselves, adding that after alleged vote manipulation, even party credibility seems compromised.