Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday rubbished the reports that there is a rift in the party over denial of party ticket to Savita Mahto for Rajya Sabha election. He also denied that there was any threat to the State Government.
He said that the three MlAs —Vidyut Baran Mahto, Mathura Prasad Mahto and Jagannath Mahto — had some issues which have been addressed. Soren was here to attend JMM leader and former Deputy CM Sudhir Mahto’s last ritual. The three MlAs had sent their resignation to Shibu Soren after Savita Mahto, the widow of Sudhir Mahto, was not nominated by the party for Rajya Sabha elections. While Vidyut Baran Mahto is Bahragora MlA, Mathura Prasad Mahto and Jagannath Mahto represent Tundi and Dumri respectively. Talking to the newsmen, Soren reiterated that there was no pressure on his Government and the three displeased MlAs, who resigned after the Sabita Mahto fiasco, would remain in their positions. “There is no threat to our Government. Our party remains intact. Moreover, the decision to withdraw Sabita Mahto’s name was a party decision and not that of an individual. There are compulsions in coalition Government and we need to maintain it,” the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Bahragora legislator said party supremo Shibu Soren has ought time on the issue raised by them and they have accepted it. “We have raised our points with the party leaders. Guruji has sought time to take a final decision on Savita Mahto. We are confident that the issue will be solved with mutual understanding,” he said, adding that the party has insulted the widow by denying ticket to her.
Mahto said that had JMM fielded Savita as a nominee for Rajya Sabha this would have sent a positive message among the party workers,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, police nabbed some youths from trying to show black flags to the Chief Minister and senior Shibu Soren near the Sonari aerodrome.
The senior JMM leaders arrived by a chopper at about 3 pm and headed straight to Uliyan grounds to attend Shradh Bhoj of the former deputy Chief Minister. Both also met Mahto’s widow Sabita and their daughters.
Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda, Ranchi parliamentarian Subodh Kant Sahay, JMM legislators Mathura Prasad Mahto, Jagannath Mahto, Congress MlA Banna Gupta, former minister Dulal Bhuiyan, also participated in the function.