Ranchi, September 1: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) central general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey on Tuesday criticised the BJP over the issue of the proposed MMDR amendment, saying the party’s concern was linked to protecting Jharkhand’s constitutional and economic interests in its mineral resources.
Responding to remarks by BJP leaders, Pandey said the JMM and Congress were raising concerns over the proposed changes not for political reasons but because of their possible impact on the state’s rights, mineral revenue and natural resources.
He said Jharkhand, as a mineral-rich state, had a legitimate interest in ensuring that its economic rights and revenue from mineral resources were protected.Pandey rejected attempts to link the issue with students’ protests and said concerns related to employment, recruitment examinations and transparency should be addressed independently.
He maintained that raising questions about students’ welfare did not prevent political parties from also speaking about the state’s mineral rights.”The issues concerning students and the protection of Jharkhand’s economic interests can both be addressed,” he said, adding that the government was taking action on complaints related to recruitment examinations and alleged irregularities.
Pandey said investigations had been conducted in cases involving alleged examination irregularities and action had been taken against those found responsible. He added that individuals found guilty of harming students’ interests should not be protected.
He also challenged the BJP’s Jharkhand unit to clarify its position on the proposed MMDR amendment and explain whether it supported measures aimed at protecting the state’s mineral revenue and rights.
Pandey said the JMM would continue to raise its concerns if any proposed changes were found to adversely affect Jharkhand’s interests. He said the party would pursue its position through democratic and constitutional means.
The JMM leader further asked the BJP to substantiate any allegations related to corruption or illegal earnings with evidence and place such information before the appropriate investigating agencies.
The MMDR issue has become a significant political subject in Jharkhand, where mineral resources and mining revenue play an important role in the state’s economy. Political parties are expected to continue debating the potential impact of proposed changes on the powers and financial interests of mineral-producing states.
Pandey said the JMM would continue to raise issues related to employment, transparent recruitment processes and the protection of Jharkhand’s natural resources, maintaining that both students’ concerns and the state’s economic interests were important.
