CM Hemant Soren Turns to BJP MPs for Support Over ₹1.36 Lakh Crore Coal Royalty Dues
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has now found himself seeking the support of BJP MPs regarding the state’s demand for coal royalty dues of ₹1.36 lakh crore from the central government. This move could put BJP MPs in a difficult position.
On his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Soren expressed hope that BJP MPs from Jharkhand would raise their voices in support of this legitimate demand. He emphasized that this amount is crucial for the development of Jharkhand.
Center Denies Dues
The central government has clarified in the Lok Sabha that no dues are pending for Jharkhand. In response to a question raised by Purnea MP Pappu Yadav regarding ₹1.40 lakh crore in coal royalty arrears allegedly owed to Jharkhand, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that the claim was incorrect and no dues were pending with the central government.
Soren’s Letter to the Prime Minister
Earlier, Chief Minister Hemant Soren had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the ₹1.36 lakh crore coal royalty dues. He argued that the non-release of these funds was obstructing the state’s development and hampering the implementation of welfare schemes. He had raised the issue multiple times in NITI Aayog meetings, emphasizing the need for these funds to accelerate Jharkhand’s growth.
BJP’s Counterattack
The BJP has strongly rebutted the claims made by the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Party spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo accused the JMM of making baseless statements. He urged the state government to first provide a year-by-year breakdown of the alleged dues and explain how much coal royalty was secured for Jharkhand when Shibu Soren served as the Union Coal Minister.
The issue remains a contentious one, with the BJP dismissing the state’s claims and the JMM standing firm in its demand for what it calls Jharkhand’s rightful share.
