Jamshedpur: Central President of Jharkhand Loktantrik Kranti Morcha (JLKM) and Dumri MLA Tiger Jairam Mahto today compared the corporate houses operating in Jharkhand to the erstwhile East India Company, alleging that companies such as Tata, BCCL and SAIL have reduced local communities to helplessness under the garb of development.
He was addressing party workers as chief guest at the Morcha’s workers’ conference held in the Michael John Auditorium, Bistupur.
“Though the British have left, their system of exploitation is thriving through these corporations,” Mahto said. “Earlier, the East India Company ruled India. Today, the officials of these companies are doing the same with our people.”
Calling for stronger resistance, Mahto exhorted communities living near industrial and mining zones to shun the policy of “Hum Do Hamare Do” and adopt “Hum Do Hamare Chaar,” arguing that two of their children must be raised to be “rebels” to safeguard land and agriculture. He urged workers to remain united and organised.
Before the address, party’s metropolitan president Ramprasad Mahato and senior leaders welcomed Jairam Mahto and other central leaders with garlands. A large number of youths took party membership during the event.
Among those present were party’s senior vice president and Ranchi assembly former candidate Devendra Nath Mahato, Mahila Morcha central president Damyanti Munda, Mahila Morcha central secretary Baby Mahato, central spokesperson Vijay Kumar Singh, central vice president Tarun Mahato and others. The proceedings were conducted by Kolhan ST Morcha president Raja Kalindi.
Mahto underlined that meaningful change can only be achieved through democratic means and power. “To gain power in Jharkhand, we must elect at least 40 MLAs,” he said, urging workers to engage closely with the public. He cautioned that not everyone could be given tickets to contest elections, adding, “It is not necessary for everyone to become Chandragupta; some must play the role of Chanakya.”
Devendra Nath Mahato said it was unfortunate that in 25 years of statehood, Jharkhand has failed to frame clear policies on employment, displacement, rehabilitation and planning. He announced that the Morcha will launch a statewide agitation over these demands. He also warned that any attempt by companies to impose arbitrary rules would face resistance.
Speaking on discipline, Baby Mahato called on workers to maintain organisational unity and purpose. “Jharkhand is ours and the king here should be your son,” he said, appealing to the cadres to work toward handing over the reins of the state to Jairam Mahato in the 2029 elections.
The conference also saw a symbolic homecoming when advocate Manik Mahato, who had parted ways with the party some years ago, rejoined JLKM. Jairam Mahato personally welcomed him with a garland on stage.
Several youths and activists from different organisations joined the Morcha on the occasion, including Ankit Mahato of Sonari, Pyarelal Sahu of Chhattisgarhi Yuva Manch, former NSUI Cooperative College president Laxman Banra, Indro Murmu of Bharat Adivasi Party, Anup Topno, Emmanuel Tigga, Dhananjay Singh, Balram Tanti, Devashish Gaur, Karan Soren and others.
Party leaders Sunil Namta, Eklavya Mahato, Sawan Mukhi, Mantu Mahato, Ranjit Mahato, Praveen, Dheeraj, Shankar Mahato, Birendra Mahato, Poonam Mahato, Ira Rani, Chanchal, and Sulochana Mahato contributed to the successful conduct of the program.
