JMM slams Babulal Marandi, calls for solitary confinement amid Uttarkashi Tunnel accident fallout

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has issued a scathing response to Babulal Marandi’s comments on the Uttarkashi tunnel accident, alleging a decline in Marandi’s mental stability and suggesting he undertake solitary confinement. JMM central general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya made these remarks during a press conference at the party office on Monday.

Bhattacharya defended the government’s rapid response to the Uttarkashi incident, where 41 workers, predominantly from Jharkhand, were trapped after a collapse. He emphasized that a team, led by senior IAS officer Bhuvanesh Pratap Singh, was dispatched promptly, working tirelessly to manage the crisis. Despite these efforts, Bhattacharya accused Babulal Marandi of baseless accusations and politicizing the tragedy.

The spokesperson criticized Marandi’s focus on the state government, urging him to direct his concerns to the central government, particularly regarding safety measures in projects initiated by entrepreneur friends. Bhattacharya cited past incidents, including those directly overseen by the central government, highlighting the need for comprehensive scrutiny.

Bhattacharya further contested Marandi’s statements about Prime Minister Modi’s alleged neglect in the aftermath of the Uttarkashi incident. He criticized Marandi’s apparent panic from a distance and suggested that if Marandi truly cared about the issue, he should personally engage with the central and local governments.
Addressing Marandi’s comments on the BJP’s plans for implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Pakur, JMM retaliated by asserting the need for NRC implementation within the state BJP. Bhattacharya alleged that infiltrators had taken key positions within the party, including the state president, leader of the opposition, and the party whip. The JMM spokesperson urged Marandi to focus on genuine concerns and engage directly with relevant authorities.