CM claims state cheated in union budget
Ranchi, February 3: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) passed a 50-point resolution during its 46th foundation day celebration at Gandhi Maidan in Dumka on Sunday night. The resolution included the rejection of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.
“The Citizenship Amendment Act, Uniform Civil Code and National Register of Citizens should be completely rejected in Jharkhand,” the party resolution said.
The party also demanded strict implementation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and Santal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) in the state and urged the central government to ensure immediate payment of “Rs 1.36 lakh crore dues” to the state government.
While addressing a huge gathering, Chief Minister Hemant Soren slammed the Centre alleging that the people of Jharkhand were “cheated” in the Union budget. He alleged that “some people with feudal mindset” do not want the residents of tribal-dominated Jharkhand to stand on their feet.
“Jharkhand is still the most backward state, despite contributing a big chunk to the country’s exchequer through mineral resources,” Soren said.
He said that the Centre should treat all states equally, particularly the backward ones.
“We do not get anything, while we contribute a lot. We have to fight even for our rights,” he said.
The Chief Minister further said that the Union budget is for the rich but there is nothing for the poor. “Rebate was given in tax (income tax) but it will not help as inflation is skyrocketing. There is no change in GST,” he said.
He claimed that Jharkhand is the first state in the country where women are given assistance of Rs 2,500 per month. “They (BJP) accuse us of distributing ‘revri’ (freebies) but now they announced the same promise of giving Rs 2,500 to women in Delhi. Is this not ‘revri’? Whatever they do is right but when we do, it becomes wrong,” Soren said.
This traditional event observed annually on February 2, provides the party a platform to showcase its strength in the tribal stronghold. It holds special significance this year following the party’s overwhelming victory in the recent assembly polls.
The proposal also demanded the establishment of a mini secretariat in Sub-capital Dumka, start the Chief Minister’s camp office there in a systematic and effective manner besides establishing a transport city here.
Apart from that, the demand letter emphasised on giving Dumka the status of a full-fledged sub-capital. In addition to that, a demand was also made to make a clear displacement and rehabilitation policy in Jharkhand nd to give priority to the displaced in jobs along with making arrangements for rehabilitation.
