Jharkhand's Royalty Row: A Demand for Rs 1.36 Lakh Crore

The ruling JMM has set up billboards in Ranchi demanding Rs 1.36 lakh crore in coal royalties from the Centre. Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren, contends the amount is vital for the state's socio-economic projects. As elections near, this demand remains a central issue for Soren.

In a bold move, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has installed large billboards across Ranchi, highlighting the demand for Rs 1.36 lakh crore owed to the state in coal royalties.

This comes just weeks after Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue through a formal letter, stressing the urgency ahead of the Jharkhand assembly elections.

The billboards challenge, "When will we get Rs 1.36 lakh crore dues for the development of Jharkhand's displaced, Dalits, minorities, farmers, youth, tribals, poor, children and women?" Soren asserts that such funds could significantly aid the state's women and has urged for a direct resolution from the coal companies through government intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)