Union Minister Slams JMM Over Security Withdrawal From Ex-CM

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan criticized the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for pulling security from former Chief Minister Champai Soren. Chauhan cited corruption and alleged negligence towards former leaders' safety. Champai Soren, now with BJP, claims public support will safeguard him amidst upcoming state elections.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan condemned the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government's decision to withdraw security for former Chief Minister Champai Soren, questioning the priority given to protecting former leaders. Chauhan stated, "By looking at the defeat, they (JMM) have lost their mind. They withdrew the security of former CM Champai Soren. Isn't the life of the former CM important?...Champai Soren's life could be in danger. We condemn this, his safety must be ensured," he asserted.

Chauhan further criticized the state government over corruption allegations, claiming, "They (JMM) ate the money for MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and PM sent Rs 1000 crores of money so that people can get drinking water at their homes, but does any village get drinking water?" Earlier, upon arriving at Ranchi Airport, Chauhan remarked that removing the former Chief Minister's security vehicles in frustration indicated the state government's poor mentality.

"My objection is that Champai Soren, who was a colleague of the Chief Minister's father, was not only insulted first, but later when he felt insulted, he left the party for Jharkhand, for the people of Jharkhand. I have never seen such a low mentality that his security vehicles were snatched away. Posts come and go. But normal courtesy should be shown. This has never happened in any state. Snatching the security vehicles of the former Chief Minister out of irritation shows their low mindset," Chauhan remarked. Meanwhile, Champai Soren, who joined the BJP last month, intensified his criticism against the Hemant Soren-led government for allegedly withdrawing his security and declared that the people of Jharkhand would protect him.

"It is up to them, now the public will protect us," Soren stated. The term of the Jharkhand State Assembly is set to expire on January 5, 2025, with elections scheduled for 81 constituencies (44 General, 9 SC, 28 ST) across the state.

Jharkhand is preparing for its 81-member legislative assembly elections later this year, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) yet to announce the dates. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)