Independent MlAs, including Bandhu Tirkey, who has been bargaining hard to get a Cabinet berth in return for his support to the Hemant Soren Government, were left high and dry today as the major coalition partners - JMM, Congress and RJD -announced the common minimum programme (CMP) as well as the State Coordination Committee.
Ironically, no Independent member got even a seat on the dais that had Congress, JMM and RJD leaders to release the CMP. Just three - Bandhu Tirkey, Chamra linda and Geeta Koda -were present in the auditorium of SKIPA.
Announcing about the much talked about Committee, Congress in-charge in Jharkhand BK Hariprasad said that it would comprise leaders from Congress, JMM and RJD. "A Coordination Committee would be formed to run the coalition smoothly. It would take crucial decisions and decide on the issues coming. Chairman would be from Congress and members from JMM and RJD," said Hariprasad on Monday, reacting for the first time after the new alliance has taken over reigns in the State.
He added that a 'monitoring committee' headed by the CM, a central leader and one from RJD would also be formed to overview the affairs in the State. When asked about place for Independents in the Cabinet, Union Minister Jairam Ramesh directed the job to the Committee, which is to meet every month and take response of people. Also present on the occasion was Chief Minister Hemant Soren to release the 'agenda for good governance' of his Government, but denied to answer the role of seven such members extending crucial support to him. "We will look into the matter later and go step-by-step. Expansion of the Cabinet would take 3-4 more days," he said.
Moreover, commenting upon a series of unstable coalitions in Jharkhand ever since it has come into existence, the CM blamed the very idea to run it. "Previous Governments could not decide how to run a coalition. They just tired to drive it anyhow. That's why Governments ran for a few months and then fell due to some reason or the other. This time we have deliberated a lot and decided to form it purely for the people of the State," he said and underlined importance of coalition terming it a reality for Jharkhand. His is the ninth coalition Government in 12 years of Jharkhand.
The agenda also reads about the coalition. "Congress-JMM coalition is not new and they have been partners. By giving support to the UPA the JMM has maintained its secular image." Ramesh also termed the attempt to come-up with an agenda the first by any Government in the State. "We promise to give a transparent and accountable Government. Congress would provide its blood to run the Government and not suck like Dracula as is being said. Remote of the Government would be with Hemant only," he said but also reminded the CM that he should not press 'rewind' and 'stop' buttons and focus on 'play' and sometimes on 'fast forward'.
RJD State president Girinath Singh termed the Government as secular. "We have extended our unconditional support for inclusive politics. Reservation policy is faulty here. Even the list of BPl persons has not been decided yet. The Government will have to look into grants to Madarsa and regularisation of para-teachers in the State," he said.