Former chief Minister and JVM supremo Babulal Marandi today lashed out at the Government for “fooling and cheating people by hiding facts and spreading falsehood”. He also criticised the recent visit of BJP national president Amit Shah and the involvement shown by the Government.
“Crores of rupees of public money spent on Amit Shah’s visit and whole falsehoods about transparency in pubic life were spread. They claimed this government is spotless in terms of corruption but biggest scam has come in the form of illegal mining done by Shah Brothers who have not deposited the penalty levied till now and continued with mining at Chaibasa,” said the JVM chief.
Demanding CBI probe into the matter and closure of mining activities, Marandi referred to comments of Minister Saryu Roy on this. “I demand from the government to stop mining there first and then go gaga about its zero tolerance over corruption. A Cabinet Minister had opposed the extension given to the lessee when it came before the Cabinet for approval. The Government has so many stains of corruption on its shirt that no shop can wash these away,” he said.
Marandi went on attacking the BJP for showing off in the name of schemes and programme started during its stay in power. “They are celebrating 1,000 days of governance as if everything in the State has become perfectly fine. Huge amount of public money has been spent on the celebrations just to show it to Amit Shah. I fail to understand how a party president can participate in a Government sponsored programme like Garib Kalyan Mela,” asked the leader.
Commenting on visits of the BJP leaders to tribal families including ancestors of Birsa Munda, the former Chief Minister rated it as bluff. “On one hand they are snatching away lands belonging to the tribals and on the other going for lunches to some to grab media attention.