The united Opposition in the leadership of the JMM on Thursday chalked out a strategy to prevent the State Government from getting the CNT-SPT Acts amended through the House.
The Opposition plan of action included bringing in the Adjournment Motion in the House on Friday and persistent disruptions thereafter.The adjournment motion is an extraordinary procedure which, if admitted, leads to setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance.The Opposition's meeting was called soon after the House adjourned on Thursday following the formal start and paying condolences to those who have passed away. The Motion is aimed to counter the Government's move to bring in two separate Bills to make changes in the tenancy acts and forcing it to retract.
"The Opposition would oppose the step of the Government taken in this regard. The CNT and SPT Acts are in existence for decades and brought by the Britishers to protect rights of the tribals and moolvasis over their land.
The community has fought hard to safeguard the Acts. Now, suddenly the Government decides to amend the Acts. Industries have been coming even without the provisions were there. Then, what is the need of bringing the amendments in such a hurry," asked Congress legislative Party leader Alamgir Alam.
The show of strength also brought out a strategy to deal with the situation where the Government is in no mood to take back its step, despite the reports coming about resentments within the ruling party and its ally. Partner AJSU has openly opposed the move. "The AJSU may take a big decision, if the Government goes ahead with its plan on the land reforms," warned AJSU MlA Vikas Munda, who earlier quit the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) on the issue.
Its party legislators sat separately ahead of NDA's meet at the residence of AJSU supremo Sudesh Mahto and opposed the move to amend the Acts. "We would attend the meeting. It is the job of the party to express its feelings whereas the Government is free to adopt it or otherwise," said Minister from AJSU quota Chandra Prakash Chaudhary ahead of the NDA meeting.
The Opposition also eyes this internal feud. "We will not allow any alteration in the CNT and SPT laws at any cost. Decision of the Cabinet is not that of God. The party and entire Opposition would disrupt proceeding of the Assembly if the Government goes ahead," said leader of Opposition Hemant Soren.
The Government is slated to introduce the Bills to amend the Acts on November 23. However, idea behind the Opposition moving an Adjournment Motion on Friday itself is not letting the Government transact much business ahead of the expected disruptions.
To smoothen the way a meeting of NDA's legislative body took place at the residence of Chief Minister Raghubar Das in the evening in which it was decided to go ahead with the decision.
"The Government is bringing the Bill which can be discussed and debated. If the Opposition has any objection to the clauses, it can be brought before the House. This is the way a healthy democracy can function," said BJP's chief whip Radha Krishna Kishore who also snubbed that there was any disenchantment within the party.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Saryu Roy observed that since the Opposition was unwilling to allow the House to function which meant they intended the Bills to be passed without any discussion.
Earlier, the Congress staged a protest at Birsa Chowk and also outside the House opposing the move and also seeking judicial probes into the three firing incidents having taken place at different parts of the State over land acquisition and other issues. Party MlAs were wearing banners and sloganeered against the move. Police had to face stiff resistance from the party members at Birsa Chowk when they started marching towards the Assembly for a gherao.