Modi adding 10% extra votes to BJP kitty: Karia Munda
Seven-time MP and lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Karia Munda seeking re-election from Khunti, a Munda tribals’ stronghold, appears a confident man. First elected in 1977 during the Janta Party wave, Munda, 78, says that this time the BJP is going to gain 8 to10 per cent additional votes due to NaMo factor everywhere, he told The Pioneer in an exclusive interview.
He said that a BJP Government in Delhi would be a boon for Jharkhand. “The party leaders will certainly think over how a stable and strong Government is formed here also. They know the pathetic situation of Jharkhand and plight of its people,” he said. So, banking heavily on the ‘NaMo wave’ and his tradition support base, Munda is toiling hard to retain the seat which is witnessing tainted Jharkhand Party candidate Anosh Ekka trying every trick to wrest the seat from the BJP allegedly with the support of outlawed outfits like the PlFI.
The Congress has fielded Kali Charan Munda, while Aam Admi Party candidate Dayamani Barla, a social activist, has also thrown her hat in the poll ring. “Some votes may deviate due to Anosh Ekka but otherwise it is good,” admitted veteran BJP leader known for his integrity and no-nonsense talks. “I started my campaign from March 29 and have covered as much Assembly constituencies as possible. Trend is good in the BJP’s favour. We have held Assembly level workers’ meeting. I also went do Simdega. Report till now is ok. Panchayat mukhias are in my favour,” he pointed out.
On the issue of the extremists’ bid to vitiate the electoral process, the lS Deputy Speaker said, “Such forces are there. But these forces are not able to do as much as they wanted. It is because of peoples’ pressure. Deep sense of anxiety is not acting directly and out in open. Some fear is always there but it is not that people are not working out of the fear.”
He, however, blamed the administrative callousness for the growing threat of extremism. “If they wipe out the problem at the very beginning how come the problem would grow upIJ No effort to generate employment has been taken. Where the younger generation would goIJ Mega industries would not work here due large scale displacement. lots of potential is there in small scale, medicinal farming, cottage industry which can tame the menace. Skill development is also required,” he maintained.
Explaining his stand on the issues which need to be worked out, Munda said that he thought work should be done in a transparent manner. “Any voter-worker should not feel that any work is being sanctioned without consulting them and against their wishes. I take opinion from the workers before initiating any work. They realise their importance. I have good rapport with the administrative officials. This will continue in this manner,” he pointed out.
On peoples’ complains about insufficient medical facilities, absence of quality educational institutes, Munda blamed the State Government. “These are responsibility of the State Government. You can see the style of functioning has been here in Jharkhand over the last 13 years. Instability has marred the developmental work. There is also ongoing tussle within the Cabinet. These all have affected the overall growth of the State and as of Khunti. Complaints of the people are legitimate but State Government has a greater say,” he said. “We tried for Knowledge City but land acquisition is not final. Process is also on for a Krishi Vigyan Kendra but stuck in technicalities,” he pointed out.
He also ducked question on his future role in the State politics in the days to come. “I have worked as per the directions of the party. I have performed whatever role is given to me by the party,” he signed off.