During their 13th general convention in Ranchi's Khelgaon Complex on Monday, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) voiced strong disapproval of the recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act. The party also reaffirmed its persistent request for a nationwide count of castes.
A significant political resolution was put forth by senior JMM legislator and former Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi. This resolution highlighted several crucial matters related to social fairness, the rights of minority groups, and job creation strategies. Marandi stressed the JMM's support for a caste-based census not just in Jharkhand but throughout India, arguing it is vital for creating fair policies.
The proposal also called for reserving 27 per cent of opportunities for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), demonstrating the party's dedication to positive discrimination.
Marandi further stated that the JMM supports using 1932 as the key year to define who is considered a local for employment policies, a contentious issue that the state has long debated.
The party's resolution also expressed opposition to the current method of redrawing electoral boundaries, advocating for a more representative and inclusive process. Regarding the Waqf Amendment Act, Marandi explained that the JMM views this change as a direct attack on minority rights and a breach of India's secular constitutional principles.
He argued that the amendment weakens the constitutional protection allowing all religious communities in India to independently manage their religious and organizational affairs.
The proposal also included a demand for reserving 75 percent of jobs in private companies for local youth, with the goal of improving employment prospects for state residents.
Furthermore, the party brought up the long-standing matter of officially acknowledging the Sarna Religion Code in the national Parliament, a significant demand for tribal communities practicing indigenous faiths.
The convention was attended by JMM president Shibu Soren, working president Hemant Soren, and all leading figures of the ruling party. A detailed 108-page report on the party's organization was presented at the meeting, which is scheduled to continue until April 15th.
