A major political controversy has erupted in Jharkhand after Leader of the Opposition and BJP state president Babulal Marandi alleged that nearly Rs 10,000 crore is missing from the state government’s accounts, raising serious questions over financial management and accountability.
Addressing the issue, Marandi claimed that the state Finance Minister had issued clear instructions to the Finance Secretary to convene a meeting of all departmental secretaries and prepare a detailed account of the funds. However, instead of acting on the minister’s directive, the Finance Secretary allegedly forwarded the file to the Chief Secretary, where it has remained pending for the past three months.
Questioning the delay, Marandi asked why the government was avoiding a proper investigation into the matter. He further alleged that, like Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Chief Secretary is also facing allegations related to a land scam, making the delay suspicious. According to Marandi, it is natural to doubt whether the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary are deliberately trying to suppress or delay the issue.
The Leader of the Opposition demanded that the Chief Secretary clarify why no action has been taken on the file for three months and identify who is responsible for the delay. Calling the issue a serious economic offence, Marandi said a thorough investigation is required to ascertain where the money has gone, whether it was diverted as an investment, and whether any undue benefit was derived by the Chief Minister or the Chief Secretary.
Also read: Hemant Soren calls for tribal unity in Assam
Reacting strongly to the allegations, Jharkhand Congress spokesperson Sonal Shanti dismissed Marandi’s claims and countered that the state treasuries were not audited for years after the formation of Jharkhand, despite the BJP being in power for over a decade. He said this raises serious questions about the intent and functioning of BJP-led governments during that period.
Shanti stated that during the previous tenure of the Mahagathbandhan government, when the Finance Department initiated scrutiny of financial records, irregularities linked to the BJP’s rule began to surface. He asserted that the present government maintains strict control over financial matters and has decided to conduct a comprehensive audit of all boards, corporations and commissions.
According to the Congress spokesperson, the Rs 10,000 crore issue prima facie appears to be linked to the BJP’s tenure. She added that the government itself wants an in-depth investigation so that, if any irregularities exist, all those involved are exposed. Accusing Marandi of attempting to shield the BJP by directly blaming the current Chief Minister and government, Shanti said that financial misdeeds committed during BJP rule would eventually come to light and appropriate action would be taken. She urged the BJP leadership to exercise patience, stating that the truth would emerge in due course.
Follow us
