Why didn’t ‘Vikas Purush’ resolve the land ownership issue in 5 years as CM: Shiv Shankar Singh

Jamshedpur: On the last day of the first phase of the Assembly election campaign on Monday, Shiv Shankar Singh, an independent candidate from the Jamshedpur East constituency, showcased his strength. Just before the campaigning deadline, Singh held an impressive roadshow from Agrico Transport Ground to Baridih Hari Maidan, drawing thousands of supporters and volunteers. At the press conference following the rally, Singh claimed victory, asserting that the overwhelming public support from the people of Jamshedpur East, social organizations, volunteers, and others would make his triumph a win for every citizen seeking change in the region.

Singh expressed gratitude for the extensive support he received during the campaign. He pointed out that Jamshedpur East was the only constituency among the 81 assembly constituencies where both national parties mobilized their top leaders and star campaigners to defeat an independent candidate. In contrast, he said, the local voters, volunteers, and the public acted as his “star campaigners.” He emphasized that the people do not want a candidate who is hard to reach or a “tourist leader” who hasn’t even spent 100 days in Jamshedpur during his tenure. Instead, they want someone who lives among them and is available to them 24/7. Singh noted that the frustration and anger among voters is strong enough to create a historic victory for an independent candidate over the major parties on November 23.

During the press conference, Singh heavily criticized former CM Raghubar Das without naming him directly, referring to him as “Vikas Purush” (Development Man). Singh questioned whether building roads and drains alone was enough to define someone as a “Vikas Purush.” He raised concerns about why, over 25 years as MLA and even CM, the former leader couldn’t resolve the ownership rights of 86 settlements, especially when he led a majority government. Singh questioned why he didn’t reopen the cable company, which could have served the needs and provided jobs to over 10,000 families in Jamshedpur.