Amid Fears Of Poaching, Jharkhand MLAs Moved To Raipur

Just three days after the MLAs of the ruling govt in Jharkhand boarded buses for a day-out in the state’s Khunti, UPA legislators have once again boarded buses. This time, 31 MLAs including cabinet ministers, will be flown to Raipur or Jaipur amid alleged attempts by the BJP to poach the coalition MLAs.

Well-connected sources in the government said the MLAs are being taken to Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where a Congress government is in place. However, the sources added that meetings are also being held to find another place if the need arises.

Sources said the MLAs are being lodged at the Mayfair resort in Raipur.

Yesterday afternoon, the MLAs left Mr. Soren’s residence in two buses and moved to the Ranchi airport, where a private plane was on standby. Video footage from the airport showed Mr. Soren there too to see them off.

Hemant Soren spoke to reporters outside the Ranchi airport, “We are ready to face every situation and we are preparing a strategy to tackle it. You have seen a glimpse of that very strategy earlier and seeing it now as well. The ruling coalition will give a solid reply to the conspirators in the state.”

Hemant, however, left the airport after a while. On being asked whether he would also go with the MLAs he said “we will see”.

Jharkhand crises so far

Earlier, reports had surfaced that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has recommended disqualification of Hemant Soren

Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais had sought the opinion of EC over a complaint by the opposition BJP that Soren be disqualified for holding an office-for-profit by getting a stone chips mining lease in his name.

Hemant Soren and his brother Basant Soren had appeared for the hearing in ECI which was completed on August 18.

According to reports, the EC in its findings has found Hemant Soren in violation of office-for-profit. Jharkhand CM violated 9A of the 1951 People Representative Act.

Article 192 of the constitution suggests that if a case arises on whether the sitting member of the house of legislator of a state be disqualified or not, the final authority lies with the Governor of the concerned state.