State Bureau, Ranchi: Buoyed by its resounding victory in the assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) fears a possible reduction in the number of assembly seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) in the state. JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya warned that such a move would not be acceptable.
Addressing a press conference at the party office, Bhattacharya stated that a census is scheduled for 2025, followed by delimitation. He recalled that in 2012, when the Delimitation Commission visited the state, the party had expressed similar concerns.
The party continues to suspect that a conspiracy is being hatched to attack reserved seats, claiming that the BJP is not favorable toward Dalits and Adivasis. He also highlighted that the winter session of Parliament has begun, where discussions on reserved seats might arise. According to Bhattacharya, the BJP is trying to reduce the number of reserved seats in Jharkhand.
Regarding Champai Soren’s Return to JMM
Supriyo Bhattacharya mentioned that if Champai Soren, who left the party, applies to rejoin, the JMM would consider it. Taking a jibe at AJSU Party leader Sudesh Mahto, he remarked that Mahto, who promised a government focused on employment, has now become “unemployed” himself. He also mocked a proposal by Mandu’s newly elected MLA to vacate a seat for Sudesh Mahto, hoping that Jayaram Mahto, trusted by the people, would work positively with the government.
Invitation to PM and Assam CM for Swearing-in Ceremony
The JMM spokesperson expressed the party’s desire for the Prime Minister and Assam’s Chief Minister to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the state government. He accused the BJP of continuing to spread venom, unable to digest the public mandate. He criticized BJP leaders for imposing their leadership over the local tribal population and said they were still unable to accept their defeat.
Celebrations for Champai Soren’s Victory
In the Saraikela assembly constituency, supporters celebrated the victory of BJP’s Champai Soren, a former chief minister. Fireworks lit up areas like Kandra, Dumra, and nearby regions. Women workers played Holi by smearing colors on one another and distributed sweets, led by Zila Parishad member Pinky Mandal. Many women, including Dumra’s Mukhiya Piyo Hansda, participated in the celebrations.
