Exclusive: Himanta, Shivraj visits to state have ‘propensity to foment hatred’, Jharkhand govt writes to EC

In a letter to the ECI dated September 2, the Jharkhand government brought up “false statements” by a visiting Chief Minister, and asked whether this would not amount to a character assassination of the host state’s government functionaries, including top bureaucrats. It also brought up the BJP’s appointment of persons as in-charge of elections in a state where poll schedules have not yet been announced.

EC sources said their hands are tied since the model code of conduct is not in force. The JMM-led Jharkhand government demanded “strongest possible” action against the leaders, who they said were indulging in “mud-slugging, interfering in the internal affairs and administration of the State of Jharkhand”.

The letter was signed by Principal Secretary (Cabinet Secretary and Vigilance Department) Vandana Dadel. It said that although the Model Code of Conduct has not yet been implemented in the state, Chouhan and Sarma have been made the BJP’s state election in-charge – they were appointed on June 17 – and they visit the state every week. The letter also said that this has caused Jharkhand’s entire state machinery to be on alert to extend Z-plus security to the dignitaries.

“The government of Jharkhand has been discharging its duties and responsibilities in extending all required facilities to Cabinet Minister Shivraj Singh and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma… However, it has been noted that on each occasion of their visits to the state… (they) have indulged in provocative and hostile statements, blatant allegations to the media against the administration of the State of Jharkhand, including activities of top officers such as the DGP, SSPs, SPs… They have been visiting many villages, holding rallies, and their statements and activities have the propensity to foment hatred among different communities, dissuading upright and sincere government and personnel from discharging their rightful duties on account of fear of reprisals in the near future,” the letter read.

The letter also attached screenshots of social media posts by Sarma, Chouhan, and other BJP leaders, alleging that the BJP was trying to “create communal tension”.

“These activities appear to be a deliberate and planned scheme to falsely and wrongfully malign the administrative officials such that when the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, reports based on false charges can be prepared of such officers and sent to the ECI to act against such officers and top bureaucrats of the State. This appears to be a prelude of things to come… There appears to be a long-drawn-out attempt by the BJP to scare the administration and police officers of the State of Jharkhand so that they may not take just and lawful preventive and punitive action, especially when the BJP is trying to create communal disturbance and tension in the area by influencing religious passions and creating communal disturbances,” the letter states.

The letter mentioned the previous “removal and debarment” from election duty by the ECI of former Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, who was later summoned by Lok Sabha’s Privilege Committee. The letter also mentioned actions on Piyush Pandey, Superintendent of Police Deoghar, and then DGP Jharkhand M V Rao, and Ajit Peter Dung Dung (then SP Deoghar), which the letter said was based on frivolous complaints by Godda MP Nishikant Dubey.

The letter said the “systematic and well-planned attack” on Jharkhand’s bureaucracy and police has led to a “widespread feeling of fear and demoralisation” in the rank and file. The letter also asked the ECI to ensure impartiality while conducting inquiries against complaints made to them against the state’s bureaucrats.

“Advise (Chouhan and Sarma) not to allow the misuse of official position and the state official machinery at the expense of the public exchequer for political gain,” the letter to the ECI said.