Round The States

New Delhi, 5 February 2024

Jharkhand Drama

OATH DELAY, POACHING THREAT

By Insaf 

High drama engulfs Jharkhand. The Champai Soren-led coalition government must win the trust vote on Monday, which looks certain, but not after guarding itself against BJP’s alleged attempts of ‘poaching’ some of its MLAs or indulging in now familiar horse-trading? This, as past week saw political twists and turns. On Wednesday, ED arrested JMM leader and then chief minister Hemant Soren in a money laundering and land mafia case. He resigned before ED took him and senior leader and aide of Shibhu Soren, Champai was named his successor. However, it took two days for Raj Bhavan to administer him oath, unlike Nitish Kumar, back with BJP in Bihar who was re-administered oath hours after breaking ties with RJD. 

Anxious over the delay, JMM-Congress-RJD alliance flew its MLAs (43 in 81-member Assembly) to Hyderabad, Congress-ruled Telangana soon after the swearing-in fearing poaching threat and chose to prove its majority within 48 hours instead of ‘10 days’ given. Predictably, lady luck shall be on Champai’s side given the ‘resort politics’, unlike his predecessor, wherein the Supreme Court refused to entertain Hemant’s writ petition and interfere with his arrest, “a well-orchestrated conspiracy” by Centre ahead of general elections and asked it to approach the High Court. When his lawyers persisted saying “We are dealing with a chief minister who has been arrested. See the evidence. This is not fair,”, the top court advised it was at liberty to seek expeditious listing of his petition before the Jharkhand HC.   Sooner the better.

*                                               *                                               *                                               *

Puja At Gyanvapi Mosque

Muslim organisations under umbrella of AIMPLB (All India Muslim Personal Law Board) are seeing red. following developments in mosque case. With Varanasi court allowing puja in the Gyanvapi mosque’s southern cellar and Allahabad High Court refusing interim stay, the Board said it would go up to Supreme Court. Said its President Maulana Rahmani: “The court (Varanasi) ruled in haste and other (Muslim) side wasn’t even given a chance to put arguments in detail. This has hurt minorities confidence in judiciary.” Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Madani said: “If such a big minority says it’s losing faith in judiciary, it’s not good for country.” Noting ‘nation’s dignity and impartiality of judicial system and administrative affairs being grossly compromised’ the group urged all constitutional officials to take timely notice of it.” While that’s uncertain, security was stepped up at the mosque on Friday for prayers as attendance was at its capacity. Shops in the city and nearby vicinity remained closed as mosque committee called for a shutdown. Growing tension needs to be nipped in the bud.   

*                                               *                                               *                                               *

‘Fraud & Forgery’ Poll

The Chandigarh Mayoral elections continue to be dogged by controversy. AAP-Congress bloc, confident of victory has alleged the polls were rigged by presiding officer Anil Masih. BJP  BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar won the top post with 16 votes of 35-member corporation, and bloc candidate Kuldeep Kumar got 12 votes, with Masih rejecting 8 votes as ‘invalid.’ Alleging  ‘complete fraud and forgery’, Kumar promptly petitioned Punjab & Haryana High Court seeking setting aside of poll; holding fresh polls under retired HC judge’s supervision; restraining Sonkar from his mayor’s functions and asking respondents to preserve/present before it entire poll process, including ballot papers’ record and videography. With the court refusing interim stay and issuing notices to Chandigarh administration, corporation, Masih and Sonkar, among others, to file replies within 3 weeks, Kumar approached Supreme Court for ‘urgent hearing’, challenging HC order ‘as the returning officer was caught on video smudging the ballots.” The court said it would consider it. Whoever said time is of the essence.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

Never Ending Woes

Delhi AAP’s woes are never ending. On Saturday last, a Delhi police crime branch team went to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence to serve him a notice regarding investigation over his claim that BJP was trying to buy AAP MLAs. But he refused to take it. At the same time, Kejriwal has refused to appear before the Enforcement Directorate, its fifth summon for questioning in Delhi excise policy scam. Recall, that he has termed these notices “illegal” and not in ‘consonance with the law’ and these be withdrawn. Indeed, AAP fears that the ED shall arrest the leader, as it has done in Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh’s case till now and the party would be at a loose end with general elections round the corner. Worse, AAP itself could be made party to the case and could face prospects of losing recognition by the Election Commission, though there hasn’t been such a case before it. The fear is not unfounded as developments in Jharkhand and the arrest of Hemant Soren ring warning bells. All eyes will be on far the cat and mouse game will be played out.   

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

From Films To Politics

Tamil super star Vijay has decided to script a new role for himself. On Friday last, the 49-year-old actor announced the launch of his political party ‘Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam’ as people of Tamil Nadu, he said were yearning for a change. However, it will pan out slowly as he will neither be contesting nor supporting any party in ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The new role, from cinema to politics, is aimed at 2026 Assembly polls given his concern over “administrative deterioration, corruption and divisive politics.” ‘Thalapathy,' as he is addressed by his ardent fans, called for a people’s movement, as it can only usher in the much-needed political change –'a selfless, transparent, visionary and efficient administration that is free of corruption, and caste and religious differences.’ Dialogue oft heard. An application has been submitted to Election Commission for registration, following which policies, flag symbol, among others, would be planned. Will he succeed as MGR or Jayalalitha did or will his fate be like Rajnikanth and Kamal Hasan, time will tell. For will there be takers to his commitment:  “Politics is not just another profession, it’s a sacred service to the people…”---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)