CM attends Adivasi dance fest at Raipur
Ranchi, November 3: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on November 3, 2022, indirectly targeted the central government of using probe agencies against him and said, “If I’ve committed a crime that big, come and arrest me. Why the questioning?” He also said that the BJP government is using the agencies in wrongful ways. This comes after Enforcement Directorate summoned Jharkhand CM to appear before its Ranchi-based office today in connection with the illegal mining case.
Soren further accused the BJP government, which has been defeated four times in the state, of being “frightened” of “Jharkhandis,” as evident by using ED against him, especially when he was engaged in an event in Chhattisgarh. “I’ve been summoned by ED today when I already have a program in Chhattisgarh today. If I’ve committed a crime that big, come & arrest me. Why the questioning? Security near ED office has increased. Why, are you scared of Jharkhandis?” he said. “This is their frustration. Every single voter of Jharkhand will give a reply to the opposition,” he added before leaving in the evening for Raipur (Chhattisgarh) to attend Adivasi Nritya Mahotsava closing function as the chief guest.
Brushing off the claims of illegal activities in mining case, Soren said, “We have not done anything yet. Jab Jharkhandi apni cheezo pe utar aayega, toh wo din door nahi jahaan aap logon ko yahaan sar chhupaane ka mauka bhi nahi milega.” (When Jharkhandi gets to his feet, the day will come when you will not be able to conceal your head here.)
Attacking the BJP government, Soren also said, “We have identified a few external gangs in the state who are not letting the state’s Adivasis stand on their feet. This state will have the rule of Jharkhandis and not external forces. BJP will be wiped off in the upcoming Lok Sabha & Assembly polls.”
Earlier, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren sought three weeks time to appear before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in a money laundering case linked to alleged illegal mining in the state, official sources said on Thursday.
The federal probe agency may issue him a fresh date soon.
The sources said the agency received a communication from the Chief Minister’s Office in which Soren has sought at least three weeks time to depose before it.
He expressed his inability to appear before the agency on Thursday citing official commitments, they said.