Ranchi, Sep 21: JMM general secretary Vinod Pandey on Sunday hit back at BJP state president Aditya Sahu, asserting that Jharkhand’s water, forests, land and mineral resources belong to the people of the state.
Reacting to Sahu’s remarks, Pandey said BJP leaders should first understand Jharkhand’s history and the struggles of its people before “lecturing” Jharkhandis.
“BJP leaders should first understand Jharkhand’s history and the struggles of its people before lecturing Jharkhandis,” he said.
Pandey highlighted the sacrifices of tribal and statehood movement leaders, including Birsa Munda, Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Phulo-Jhano and Shibu Soren, saying the creation of Jharkhand was the result of the sacrifices of generations.
He also said Jharkhand’s mothers and sisters made significant sacrifices during the movement for a separate state and urged those speaking about the state’s resources and rights to respect that history.
“Jharkhand’s land does not belong exclusively to the BJP; Jharkhandis have the right over its water, forests and land,” Pandey said.
On the issue of mineral resources, Pandey accused the BJP of prioritising corporate interests over those of Jharkhand and its people.
“The first right over Jharkhand’s mineral resources belongs to Jharkhand and its people,” he said.
Referring to the MMDR Act, Pandey said BJP leaders should explain to the people how its implementation could affect Jharkhand’s rights and revenue from mineral resources instead of allegedly misleading them.
He said the state government was raising the issue before the Centre and maintained that the JMM’s movement was aimed at protecting Jharkhand’s rights and interests.
“The JMM’s movement is not against any political party but is a fight for Jharkhand’s rights and the interests of the state,” he said.
Pandey urged BJP leaders to ask the Centre how the interests of mineral-rich Jharkhand would be protected before levelling allegations against the state government.
He said the JMM would continue to stand firm on the issues of water, forests, land and mineral resources.
“The JMM will not retreat from its fight for Jharkhand’s rights over its water, forests, land and mineral resources,” Pandey said.
He added that the state’s natural resources should be utilised for Jharkhand’s development and the welfare and rights of its people, rather than for the convenience of corporate houses.
