For many AJSU’s idea of running with the hare and hunting with the hound over the contentious domicile policy is far from being understood. But for the coalition partner of the ruling BJP it is just another attempt to safeguard its identity and for its long term political survival in Jharkhand.
Party supremo Sudesh Mahto again made it clear in public that the options are open for AJSU. “We have conveyed our stand on domicile policy to the Chief Minister and we stick to it. We are waiting for the reply as our options are open,” said Mahto on Saturday sending out a veiled threat to the Government.
However, party insiders said that remaining in power is a must for it as nothing much can be gained either by staging a walkout. “We have discussed the issue threadbare on party forums. We have reached to a conclusion that whatever decision is taken by the Government on domicile policy is the decision of the Cabinet which may not necessarily be the view of the party as well. AJSU stand on the policy is a reflection of larger public sentiment and as per their demand,” said party’s think tank and spokesperson Deosharan Bhagat.
AJSU with four MlAs shares berth with the BJP in the Cabinet and is represented by Chandra Prakash Chaudhary. Interestingly, Chaudhary had accompanied his Cabinet colleagues from the BJP to the press briefing called up to announce the domicile policy defining locals and non-locals only few days before he again partnered his own party leaders to Chief Minister Raghubar Das to lodge a protest against it.
Moreover, insiders in the party divulge that AJSU leadership is not at all in two minds as far as the way it should go on the policy issue. “The matter has been discussed and settled at the party forums. The party would keep demanding amendment in the policy keeping in mind the sentiments of the larger populace of the State. But, at the same time, it would stick to the Government without harming its stability,” said a senior party functionary.
Is it not opportunist in a wayIJ Deosharan Bhagat denies, “It is a sign of healthy democracy instead. Opposing anything while remaining within the constitutional boundary is not wrong. You see even there are voices inside the BJP such as Arjun Munda, Karia Munda, Shiv Shankar Oraon and others who have differed with the Government’s view. Even the Chief Minister has indicated for rectification.”
At the same time, Chandra Prakash Chaudhary made it official that the ‘healthy opposition’ is going to have no bearing on the health of the Government. “look, we have managed to get a clear mandate after such a long undulating political history of Jharkhand ever since it came into existence.
AJSU is not at all in the favour that the opportunity is missed. There are several other issues which are important for the welfare of the State and which the Government is addressing. Our opposition to the domicile policy should not be misunderstood as disloyalty but as our loyalty towards the people at large. This is not going to destabilise the Government is any way. We are just four in any case,” added the Minister.
However, ‘champions of tribal cause’ do not buy the argument. “It is duality. AJSU is a partner in Government and its member should have dissented there in the Cabinet. They are just befooling the people,” said JMM’s Vinod Pandey.
Unperturbed, efforts to expand besides maintaining the party’s relevance are on.