Politics

After differences among major political parties over selection of party candidates for the two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand, there is a move for early mid-term polls of the Jharkhand Assembly.

Before extending support to the Congress Rajya Sabha nominee Dheeraj Prasad Sahu, senior Congress leader in charge of Jharkhand K Keshav Rao had to promise Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) supremo Babulal Marandi on Sunday that he (Marandi) would be at the helm of affairs for the Congress-JVM coalition in the event of mid-term polls.

Former Union Minister and noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani (87) managed to secure a BJP ticket for Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan despite stiff opposition from a section of the central leadership. Party president Nitin Gadkari on Sunday announced the candidature of Jethmalani who is representing some BJP leaders accused of involvement in the 2002 Godhra Riots in Gujarat.

RANCHI: In the last nine years — 2001 to 2010 — the revenues of Jharkhand’s mines department from royalty have increased from Rs 705 crore to Rs 1,730 crore.

The aggregate revenue in the nine years comes to around Rs 10,000 crore. Contrast this to the Rs 4,000 crore that former chief minister Madhu Koda and his close aides allegedly made just by recommending for mining lease during his two-year tenure between 2006 and 2008.

RANCHI: Even as Maoists are reportedly planning to start their offensive in Jharkhand in the wake of the imposition of President’s rule, panic has gripped the state Congress cadre, which fears it could be made soft targets by the Naxals.

The Maoists had been lying low for the last five months during the regime of former chief minister Shibu Soren, who was said to be soft towards them. However, with the state now coming under Central rule following the resignation of Mr Soren, it is believed that Maoists may intensify their offensive.

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said here on Tuesday that her party had no differences with the senior alliance partner Congress.

Mamata, who skipped a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, was reportedly annoyed over UPA's echoing of the West Bengal government's contention that the recent train derailment in the state was the "handiwork of the Maoists."

However, the minister, who attended the UPA report card meeting later in the evening, maintained in public the stance that the Trinamool Congress and the Congress had no differences.

RANCHI: The coming Rajya Sabha election is likely to pave the way for a fresh realignment of political forces, especially in the wake of the imposition of President’s rule in Jharkhand.

Jamshedpur, June 2 (PTI) Union Minister for Food Processing Subodh Kant Sahay today attacked the BJP saying the party's "lust for power" was the reason behind the prevailing political instability in Jharkhand.

"BJP joined hands with JMM to form government in Jharkhand only because of its lust for power," he said here on the sidelines of the final match of Jharkhand Premium League cricket match.

"It is a curse that Jharkhand is lacking an honest leadership," he said.

The Railway Minister Ms Mamta Banerjee skipped the meeting of cabinet committee on political affairs despite being in Delhi. The cabinet committee was deciding on imposing President’s rule in Jharkhand.

The Railway Minister was quick in reacting that there is no friction in the UPA. The issue discussed in the cabinet meet was a simple issue concerning one state only and there was no other agenda.

Ms Mamta Banerjee said that some people are conspiring against the Trinmool Congress and the Congress. She termed it unfortunate and said that there are no differences in the two UPA allies.

Jharkhand appears to be heading for central rule. Governor M.O.H. Farooq on Monday sent a report to the Centre recommending President's Rule in the state.

The Cabinet will now meet on Tuesday to discuss the report and take a decision.

Farooq's report came amid the Congress giving up efforts to form an alternate government with the support of the Shibu Soren-led JMM. The BJP has already severed its alliance with the JMM, forcing Soren to resign as chief minister on Sunday.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren resigned from his post on late Sunday evening after he called on the State Governor Governor M O H Farook.

Soren submitted his papers to the Jharkhand Governor at the Rajbhavan.

Soren's resignation came just hours before proving majority on the floor of the House.

He was scheduled to seek the Vote of Confidence in the floor of the Assembly on Monday.

Earlier, in the day, Congress Party had asked Soren to submit resignation before holding any discussions over forming new coalition in the state. (ANI)