Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Central Government during the 47th Jharkhand Day celebrations of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), accusing the Central Government of consistently neglecting Jharkhand despite its major contribution to the national economy.
Addressing a large gathering at Gandhi Maidan, Soren warned that the Centre should not test the patience of the people of Jharkhand.
He said that while Jharkhand contributes nearly 42 per cent of the country’s mineral wealth, the state continues to face budgetary neglect in the Union Budget.
Terming it an insult to tribals and moolvasis, the Chief Minister alleged that Jharkhand fills the national treasury but is pushed into financial hardship. He accused the Centre of exploiting the state’s natural resources while denying it its rightful share in development and decision-making.
Emphasising self-reliance, Soren announced a ₹6,000 crore infrastructure push, including 63 Road Construction Department projects worth ₹2,396 crore.
The projects include the construction of a new Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) and special roads to ease traffic congestion during the annual Hijla Mela.
The programme turned emotional when Soren addressed an empty chair bearing the photograph of JMM founder and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who could not attend due to health reasons.
Recalling the lifelong struggle of the ‘Dishom Guru’ for jal, jungle and zameen, Soren said those ideals remain central to Jharkhand’s identity. He asserted that Jharkhandis know how to assert their rights with dignity if they are denied justice.
Event chairman and Dumka MLA Basant Soren said Jharkhand was achieved through sacrifice, not charity, and urged the youth to play a decisive role in protecting the state’s interests. Several other leaders echoed similar sentiments. JMM MP Nalin Soren highlighted irrigation and employment initiatives, while Jama MLA Dr Louis Marandi spoke on welfare schemes.
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