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Journalism of Courage
Jharkhand CM Arjun Munda, whose government survives on a razor thin support, is facing a tough situation at the hands of the six MLA-strong ally, JD(U).
JD(U) state unit president and minister in Munda’s Cabinet, Jaleshwar Mahto, has asked the CM for a CBI probe into the alleged leak of a confidential letter written by IG (Operation and Law & Order) last month — regarding state Welfare Minister Ramesh Munda allegedly having contacts with Naxals. Mahto is among the three MLAs who were out to shield Ramesh. ‘‘If the government has to be run, the CM must intervene and order the CBI to inquire into the letter leak. Otherwise, we can even withdraw support to the government,’’ he said.
On April 7, R.C. Kaithal, IG (Operation, Law & Order), in his letter to SPs had said he had information that Ramesh had contacted Naxals for their ‘help’ during the polls. Kaithal added that a deal was allegedly struck between them and Ramesh had to pay Rs 25 lakh — Rs 15 lakh before the polls and the rest after winning it.
However no action was taken. Earlier too, police has had cases regarding alleged links of politicians with banned outfits.
• On September 25, 2003: Police registered an FIR at Latehar district police station alleging one Gaya Singh and his cousin Binod Singh were ‘sympathisers’ of the MCC and had been booked under POTA.
• On August 3, 2004: Police filed an FIR at Panki police station in Palamau district, alleging one Randhir Singh ‘supported’ the MCC by providing them food and snacks at his house in Panki. He was lodged in Daltongunj jail and charged with various sections under the IPC.
But, in sharp contrast to these two cases, in Ramesh’s case, police has not filed an FIR against him till date. ‘‘I have nothing to say about it,’’ said DGP S.M. Cairre.
Incessant demands of strict action against Ramesh from all political corners of the state are also making things difficult for the CM. Though Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari, who was also alleged to have ‘links’ with Naxals chose to keep mum, JD (U) MLA Radha Krishna Kishore who had to step down from his Cabinet post last month after Mahto and Ramesh went up in arms against him, has slammed the CM. ‘‘If people can be jailed for simply providing food to the Naxals, why can’t the law take its course in the case of a Minister against whom the IG had information of entering into a pact with Naxals to win the poll?’’ asked Kishore. ‘‘He should be immediately dismissed.’’
Leader of the Opposition Sudhir Mahto has demanded registration of an FIR against Ramesh. ‘‘It’s a very serious charge. And the charge was recorded by none other than the IG,’’ he said.
A group led by him, RJD’s legislature party leader Girinath Singh and JMM chief Shibu Soren and Independent MLA Stephen Marandi is slated to meet the Governor tomorrow to hand over a memorandum demanding a CBI probe. Meanwhile, BJP general secretary Rajnath Singh said today that Munda has taken note of the allegations linking Ramesh with Naxals. ‘‘I can just tell you that the CM has taken notice of it. Wait for a conclusion,’’ said Singh.
