Geeta Koda snubbed media reports suggesting the Congress’ change of mind over her induction and said that she was going ahead with the plan to join the party on January 4. She also pleaded not to read too much in the statement given by Chairman of Coordination Committee for Jharkhand Jairam Ramesh against induction of “tainted” leaders into the party.
Talking to The Pioneer on Tuesday, wife of former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Madhu Koda put a brake on all the speculations coming out. “Everything has been finalised. I will join the Congress on January 4,” said Geeta. This newspaper had reported on December 28 that the Jagannathpur MlA would come to Congress’ fold in the presence of Ramesh. Moreover, reacting to the media reports, Ramesh on Monday had said that the party, when leaders like Rahul Gandhi was present at helm of the Congress, tainted leaders like Madhu Koda would not be given space in the party.
When asked about Ramesh’s observation, stubborn Geeta Koda refuted it. “His statements might have been about others. There is no charge against me. Kodaji is anyway not contesting lok Sabha polls this time so there is no merit in his (Ramesh’s) overture,” explained Geeta Koda.
When asked about the seat she is eyeing to test her fortunes, like a noble party worker, Geeta Koda left it to the Congress leadership to decide. “The party would decide on the seat. It has not been finalised yet.” Though, when her husband not contesting this time the Chaibasa lok Sabha constituency is all set to fall into her lap. On the other hand, Congress is still keeping cards close to its chest.
“Nothing has been finalised as yet. There is no hurry on this issue. I have seen Jairam Ramesh’s comments and would decide the issue taking several issues into considerations,” said Pradesh Congress Committee president Sukhdeo Bhagat. He, however, admitted that the party was in talks with Geeta Koda and preliminary level deliberations had taken place.
Sources in the Congress are of the view that inducting Geeta into the party would make a seat safe for it in the in Ho-dominated Singhbhum parliamentary constituency. The step would also provide the party an alibi of not compromising with corruption as apart from being wife of Madhu Koda there is no direct allegation against her.
The party in the area is also looking beyond veteran Congressman Bagun Sumbrui who represented the party from Chaibasa in Parliament for a long time. Sumbrui is also aware of it. “I was defeated by my own partymen last time. They know that I cannot give them as much money as Kodas can. I had already announced that I would not contest and had forwarded name of former MP Chitrasen Sinku to the Congress observers. But there are leaders in the State unit who have lust for money only and that is why they are adamant to take Geeta Koda,” said Sumbrui.