MLA Kalpana Soren launched the 'Mainya Samman Yatra' on Saturday in Tantnagar, West Singhbhum, by paying homage to the martyr Ganga Ram Kalundi. The event marked the beginning of a yatra aimed at honoring the contributions of women and reinforcing their role in Jharkhand’s development. During the event, Kalpana Soren addressed gatherings in Manjhari and Kuma Radungi blocks, speaking passionately about the region's rich history of resistance and valor.
In her address, Soren emphasized the deep-rooted struggle of Kolhan's people, recalling their fight against British oppression to protect their land, forests, and natural resources. "This is the brave land of Kolhan," she said. "We take inspiration from our martyrs who taught us that Kolhan never bows down, never compromises, and is never afraid of anyone."
Soren continued to reflect on the ideology of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), urging the audience to recognize the party’s efforts to uplift the poor and downtrodden. "If you want to understand Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s ideology, you have to know each martyr soldier of Jharkhand," she said. "We are committed to the fight for the rights of Jharkhand's people, especially its women."
Women Empowerment in Focus
Kalpana Soren highlighted Jharkhand’s focus on women empowerment, citing Chief Minister Hemant Soren's initiatives to link lakhs of women with credit schemes worth Rs 11,000 crore. These initiatives aim to make women self-reliant and capable of addressing the challenges they face. "We are proud of our efforts to empower women," she stated. "Hemant Soren's vision is to strengthen the women of Jharkhand, enabling them to stand strong and move forward."
She also spoke about the ongoing effort to include the Ho language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, a fight Chief Minister Hemant Soren has championed. "Hemant ji is working tirelessly for the recognition of tribal languages and the rights of Jharkhand’s indigenous people," she affirmed.
Challenges from the Opposition
During her speech, Kalpana Soren did not shy away from addressing the opposition’s criticism of the state government. She pointed out that despite BJP’s efforts to derail the 'Mainya Samman Yojana,' a scheme aimed at uplifting women, the state government remains firm in its mission. She alleged that the BJP is troubled by the success of this scheme and is attempting to block it. "But Hemant Soren is not alone in this fight. The entire state, including half of the female population, stands with him," she declared.
Kalpana also spoke of her husband's past challenges, including his imprisonment without proof, accusing the BJP of withholding crucial development funds from Jharkhand. "Despite these challenges, Hemant Soren is working to make Jharkhand prosperous," she said, calling on people to support his leadership.
The event also saw the participation of several prominent leaders, including Agriculture Minister Deepika Pandey, Women and Child Development Minister Baby Devi, and MP Joba Manjhi. All leaders praised the state government’s development initiatives, including the waiver of electricity bills and agricultural loans up to Rs 2 lakh.
