Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has extended its support to social activist Anna Hazare’s movement against the existing land Acquisition Ordinance. The party in the process has deputed two of its MPs who would participate in the ongoing agitation in Delhi in order to show its solidarity. Addressing a press conference on Monday, the day when the Budget Session of Parliament started and the long march is about to reach Delhi, JMM leader and also leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly Hemant Soren termed the ordinance detrimental for the people of the State.
“The step taken by the Centre on the land acquisition is contrary to the statement given by the Prime Minister during his election campaign in Santhal Pargana that ‘no one can snatch the land of poor tribal from them’. The PM formed his Government by misleading the people. But the JMM would not let the dictatorship and autocratic attitude of the BJP to take place in Jharkhand.
The party lends its moral and physical support to farmers’ movement continuing in the leadership of Anna Hazare in Delhi,” he said. JMM supremo Shibu Soren has designated its MPs Vijay Hansda and Sanjeev Kumar to participate in the march and protest. Besides, it would hold series of protests and take a delegation to the President in April.
“We can even go up to imposing economic blockade opposing the issue in the State. I also appeal the Chief Minister of the State to come and raise his voice against the black ordinance by leaving his lust for chair and power,” added Hemant Soren. Though he was not sure about the support he would get from other Opposition parties on the matter. A meeting of all such parties had taken place at his residence last month which was attended by the JVM and Congress.
Nevertheless the dharna organised later left the JMM only with the JVM while Congress distanced itself from the bloc. “You should ask this question to the Congress. They can answer better. As far as this action of ours is concerned, this has been the part of our struggle for long. This is in no way a part of entire Opposition’s exercise,” answered Soren when asked about the unity.
At the same time, he went ahead rapping the BJP Government in the State terming it arrogant and cited “anti-people” decision to hike VAT on petrol and diesel. “Increasing VAT on petroleum products is unfortunate and put additional burden on the poor. They are just pretending to bring down inflation. It was their poll plank. I would say the Government has turned arrogant and it can be seen in its conduct,” said Soren and also charged the Raghubar Das Government for irrational transfer and postings of officials in the State.