bjp-will-uproot-tribals-if-not-defeated-in-ls-polls-jharkhand-cm

A day after felicitating Prime Minister Modi, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren made allegations on Saturday, asserting that the BJP, if not defeated in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, would snatch tribal lands and displace communities from forests and coal-rich regions.

 

Soren pointed out that the central BJP government had attempted to amend several laws safeguarding tribal rights, but the state coalition administration, he assured, would strongly oppose such endeavours. The Chief Minister delivered these remarks during the conclusion of the state assembly session, a moment marked by the walkout of BJP legislators from the House.

 

The seven-day budget session, which commenced on February 23, was adjourned sine die by Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto. The session's final day saw the passage of four bills, including the International University Bill, of 2024.

 

Summarising the achievements of the government over the past four years, Mahto highlighted the passage of a budget amounting to Rs 1,28,900 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. Additionally, the government set an ambitious target to elevate Jharkhand into a Rs 10 lakh crore economy by 2029-30.

 

Chief Minister Soren underscored that the BJP government had amended the Forest Rights Act, diminishing the authority of gram sabhas. He also raised concerns about proposed amendments to the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act and the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act.

 

Soren alleged that these amendments were strategically designed by the Centre to displace tribals from forests, coal-rich areas, and other locations. Expressing a sense of urgency, he warned that unless the BJP is defeated in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, tribal communities would face displacement from their ancestral lands.

 

Calling on ruling alliance legislators to raise awareness about the BJP's intentions, Soren credited former Chief Minister Hemant Soren with understanding the BJP's strategy. He claimed that Hemant Soren was unjustly incarcerated on a land issue despite having no involvement.

 

Highlighting the coalition government's efforts, Soren emphasized the strengthening of the education, social, and economic systems in the state, with the goal of ensuring "roti, kapda, and makaan" (food, clothing, and shelter) for everyone.