Kunal Sarangi submits six key demands to President Murmu during courtesy visit

Mail News Service

New Delhi, Jan 12: Former MLA and current state BJP spokesperson Kunal Sharangi met with President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. While extending advance wishes for the upcoming Makar Sankranti, Tusu festival, and New Year 2024, Sharangi also used the occasion to present six key demands to the President, urging her intervention on issues pertaining to corruption, men’s rights, healthcare, education, railways, and sports.

Highlighting a recent controversy regarding permission for a central agency investigation into corruption matters in Jharkhand, Sharangi expressed concern about potential changes to established practices within the federal structure. He emphasized the provisions of the PMLA Act granting special investigative powers to the ED without requiring permission, and stressed the importance of upholding constitutional principles.

Sharangi expressed reservations about a recently passed law in the Indian Judicial Code, suggesting its potential for misuse against men in consensual relationships. He pointed to inconsistencies regarding relationship duration and the lack of clarity in pre-filing procedures, raising concerns about potential misrepresentation. He urged the President for a thorough review of the law before its implementation and advocated for the establishment of a Men’s Commission to address increasing cases of male harassment.

Sharangi raised concerns about the inadequate healthcare facilities in Jamshedpur compared to the national average. He proposed the establishment of a satellite center of AIIMS in the city, suggesting it could also positively impact and strengthen the existing state-run MGM healthcare system.

Emphasizing the need to preserve tribal culture, tradition, language, and script, Sharangi reiterated the longstanding demand for a tribal university in the Ghatshila sub-division. He requested the President’s support in realizing this goal, established during her tenure as Governor.

Sharangi emphasized the long-pending demand for the Chakulia-Badamara rail line project, highlighting its vital importance for the region. The President acknowledged the matter, informing him that the Railway Minister has confirmed its inclusion in the development list and its scheduled ground-breaking ceremony upon Cabinet approval and budgetary allocation in 2024-25.

Recognizing the immense potential for sports like football, hockey, and archery in the tribal-dominated areas of East Singhbhum, Sharangi proposed the establishment of a national-level sports academy similar to the one in Bangalore. He highlighted the potential benefits of such an initiative in harnessing and nurturing talent from the region.

President Murmu expressed her assurance in considering further action on all presented issues after seeking departmental opinions.