Unrelenting Congress Ministers in the Hemant Soren Cabinet have compelled the party leadership to think seriously over their utterances and make a safe distance from the controversial remarks. The State leadership of the Congress has also made it clear that the outspoken Ministers should clarify for their statements and the party would not poke its nose over the matters.
The stand has come after Human Resource Development Minister Geetashree Oraon couple of days ago spoke her mind about Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) passouts with Bhojpuri as regional language.
"The party has taken the statement very seriously and wants that she should herself clear her stand. The Congress has nothing to do with such statements and this has been made loud and clear to all," said Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sukhdeo Bhagat.
Bhagat while disowning the statement added that the Congress was a national party with secular credentials and such issues can be divisive in nature. "We cannot endorse the views that can generate divide in society," he said.
The Minister had earlier as well raised the issue of domicile which is yet to be fixed by all the previous Governments and the incumbent one also despite having listing it on priority in the Common Minimum Programme unveiled after the coalition came into power.
Another Minister from Congress portfolio Chandrashekhar Dubey also expressed his anguish over the statement of his party colleague that has left Geetashree sidelined virtually. "What would I sayIJ
The Congress believes that all living in the State are Jharkhandi irrespective of language or religion or caste. It is a serious matter indeed," said Dubey, who has also been known for his outspoken nature and has raised his voice against the decisions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren more than once.
Opposition parties nevertheless jumped over the matter and termed the entire Government directionless. "This is yet another example of the Government speaking in different voices. If she thinks that her understanding is right then she should have passed this in the Cabinet and made applicable. What is the use of making such statements in publicIJ These are just an attempt to deviate attention from real issues," said Jharkhand Vikas Morcha chief Babulal Marandi.
Meanwhile, leader of Opposition Arjun Munda has demanded from the Chief Minister to come-up with stand of the Government on the issue. "The Cabinet works under collective responsibility and not on individual's agenda. It seems that there is no vision with the Government. The Chief Minister should clarify the stand of his Government otherwise such statements are creating confusion only," said Munda.