Ranchi, September 05, 2024 – Jharkhand BJP leader Babulal Marandi has once again criticized the ruling JMM-Congress alliance, accusing the state government of undermining democracy by violating the rights of the Gram Sabha. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Marandi alleged that key decisions affecting rural Jharkhand, such as sand mining auctions, housing approvals, and local market operations, are being taken at the district level, bypassing the Gram Sabha and Panchayat committees.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Marandi urged the government to seriously consider the demands of Panchayat representatives, stressing the importance of strengthening Gram Sabhas. He emphasized that the current system, which centralizes decision-making at the district level, was dismantling the very foundation of grassroots democracy.
“Undermining Panchayat Rights”
In his letter, Marandi reminded the Chief Minister that the BJP government had successfully conducted long-pending Panchayat elections, empowering village representatives for the first time after 32 years of delays under united Bihar. However, he expressed dismay that the current government has stripped these elected representatives of their powers.
Marandi pointed out that key decisions related to rural development, including the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme (Abua Awas) and sand mining auctions, are no longer made by the Gram Sabha or Panchayat committees but by district officials. He highlighted a recent incident in Giridih, where approval for the Abua Awas scheme was challenged during a district meeting due to the lack of approval from the Gram Sabha.
“Democracy at Risk”
Criticizing the JMM-Congress government’s handling of rural governance, Marandi accused the state of failing to respect democratic institutions and instead relying on middlemen to manage the system. He highlighted ongoing protests by Panchayat representatives, including village heads, Panchayat secretaries, and other grassroots workers, who are staging a sit-in near Raj Bhavan to demand their rights.
He also drew attention to widespread unrest among vocational teachers and computer operators, who have been protesting across the state for their rights, further underscoring the growing dissatisfaction with the state government.
“Populist Schemes, Failed Promises”
Marandi also took aim at the government’s populist policies, accusing it of spending millions on advertising new schemes while beneficiaries of existing programs continue to suffer. He said that despite spending millions on promoting schemes, the state government has failed to deliver on long-standing promises, leaving people to protest and struggle for the benefits they are entitled to.
He concluded his letter by asserting that the government is more focused on gaining cheap popularity rather than genuinely working for public welfare.
This marks another sharp critique of the Hemant Soren-led government by the opposition ahead of upcoming elections in Jharkhand, setting the stage for a politically charged atmosphere in the state.
News – Sanjana Kumari.
