Ranchi, Sep 21: The Jharkhand Pradesh Congress disciplinary committee has issued a show-cause notice to former state minister and senior party leader Yogendra Sao over his recent remarks against Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Sao has been asked to submit a written explanation within three days and appear before the disciplinary committee to explain why action should not be initiated against him under the party’s rules.
The development follows a dispute over an administrative drive to remove alleged encroachments from around 50 decimals of Khasmahal land in the Barkagaon area of Hazaribag district.
Sao has maintained a claim over the land.Following the action, Sao publicly criticised the Chief Minister and made several allegations regarding the functioning of the state government. He also urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to withdraw support to the Hemant Soren-led government and said he would continue to raise what he described as the truth.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a key constituent of the state ruling coalition, subsequently sought action against Sao over his remarks. The issue was taken up within the Congress leadership following discussions involving state Congress in-charge K Raju and state president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh.
Disciplinary Committee Chairman Rameshwar Orao issued the notice. According to the report, the party has described Sao’s conduct as being inconsistent with its principles and directions issued by its leadership.
The committee has also referred to what it considers repeated instances of indiscipline that could affect the organisation’s image.
The notice was reportedly sent to Sao through the official state Congress email and was also forwarded to his WhatsApp number.Sao, after receiving the notice, said he believed he was being targeted. He indicated that he would submit his response to the disciplinary committee.
Sao’s daughter and former MLA Amba Prasad has also distanced herself from his personal remarks against the Chief Minister, describing them as inappropriate, according to the report.
The latest notice is not a final disciplinary decision. Sao has been given an opportunity to present his explanation before the party decides whether any further action is warranted.Sao had faced disciplinary action from the Congress in the past as well.
He was previously expelled from the party over alleged violations of party discipline, but the expulsion was later revoked by the leadership, citing his long association and organisational contribution.
