Ranchi, July 8: Internal dissent within the Jharkhand Congress has resurfaced after state Congress in-charge K. Raju attended a workers’ convention organised by former minister Yogendra Sao in Hazaribagh, with the absence of several senior leaders fuelling speculation over growing factionalism.
The programme was organised by Sao, whose expulsion from the party was revoked within three months. Sao has consistently opposed the Congress’ alliance with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and K. Raju’s presence at the event has raised questions within party circles, especially as several state and district-level leaders stayed away.
Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari, Congress MLA Mamta Devi, former MLA J P Patel and the district Congress presidents of Hazaribagh and Ramgarh did not attend the event. Mamta Devi cited a prior engagement. State Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore was present, while an old photograph of him from his BJP days, showing him in saffron attire, featured on the event banner and sparked discussion.
Senior Congress leaders also linked the latest controversy to differences that surfaced after the Rajya Sabha election, when K. Raju accused RJD and CPI(ML) legislators of not supporting the Congress candidate, triggering friction within the INDIA bloc.
Although the Congress leadership later withdrew the allegations and apologised to the Left parties, some senior leaders claim the state in-charge’s approach towards the JMM remains unchanged, reflecting continuing unease within the party.
