Hemant Soren’s initiative to show a united face of Opposition before the ever strong BJP in Jharkhand got a humble start with about 15 MlAs from different parties attending it. leaving majority of the legislators from the JMM; just three from the JVM and equally of the Congress gathered to chalk out strategy to hound the Government besides having lavish lunch together on Thursday.
The former Chief Minister and present leader of Opposition in the Assembly led the flock jointly with JVM legislature party leader Pradeep Yadav. JVM’s Sarath MlA Randhir Kumar Singh and Janki Yadav of Barkattha were present from the party of total eight members. PCC president Sukhdeo Bhagat, Congress legislature party (ClP) leader Alamgir Alam and party MlA from Jarmundi Badal Patralekh were present. Arup Chatterjee of Marxist-Coordination also attended the gathering.
However, for the Congress relief, Jamtara legislator Irfan Ansari, who is said to be on the rebel’s path, was the surprise participant at the meeting held at Hemant Soren’s residence. Nevertheless there was no trace of the others such as Manoj Yadav, Nirmla Devi and Bidesh Singh who are reportedly looking for greener pastures. Soren admitted that the number of MlAs in the show of strength programme remained disappointing.
“Today we all from the Opposition came on a single platform. It is true that we are less in number but a strategy to fix the role of the Opposition parties has been fruitful. We are going to oppose the dictatorial style of functioning of the Raghubar Das Government,” he said, briefing the media after the meeting. Moreover, the real intention behind was clear.
The amalgamation was more to exert pressure on the BJP-led Government to appoint a full strength Cabinet sooner so that fear to lose MlAs from the Opposition camps dies down. Inputs suggest that legislators both from the Congress and JVM are in close contact with the ruling BJP which has filled just five Cabinet berths even after more than a month of getting installed, leaving seven vacant.
The pain came to fore. “There is role of Ministers in the Government and in running the administration. It seems a well thought plan is behind not setting up a full Cabinet after so long. They are trying to spread confusion about MlAs. There is dirty trick behind all this and we would apprise the Governor through a memorandum on February 9,” added Hemant Soren.
The parties would also stage a sit in on February 16 at Raj Bhawan protesting against the delay and also against “undemocratic attitude, dark land acquisition act and ignoring locals in recruitments. We will submit a joint memorandum to the Governor and continue with our role as Opposition,” explained Pradeep Yadav. Soren, on the occasion, also invited AJSU to join the camp and lend its support on the issues.
Though, the show of unity could not bridge the crack within the Congress. Irfan Ansari, who has openly challenged the decision of the party to designate Alamgir Alam as ClP leader, and is presumably leading the disgruntled faction, left the spot early leaving many questions behind. When asked about Irfan’s arguments, Alam rebuffed. “You should ask this to Irfan. I have been ClP leader previously also and need not to learn lessons from anyone on how to lead.”
Unconvincing Alam, on the occasion, tried his level best to establish that all six of the Congress legislators were united and he had been in touch with them. “I have talked with all of them (to those also who are said to be camping in Delhi). But what I feel that those MlAs should also come forward and rebut from themselves the talks going around,” said Alam.