Ranchi, August 14: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has expressed strong opposition to the Mining and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill (MMDR Bill), which was hastily passed by the central government in Parliament. Party General Secretary Binod Pandey stated that this bill will have the most significant impact on Jharkhand. Consequently, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has written to the President, Prime Minister, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, urging the immediate withdrawal of the bill.
In a conversation, Binod Pandey remarked, “The way the MMDR Bill was rushed through both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha yesterday shows a lack of consideration for its effects on various states. The bill was passed in as little as one minute in some instances, before being sent to the President for approval.”
The Chief Minister and the JMM are taking this matter very seriously. The bill is expected to adversely affect Jharkhand the most. Therefore, the Chief Minister has requested the President, Prime Minister, and Rahul Gandhi to withdraw the bill immediately.
Binod Pandey made it clear that if the central government does not retract the bill, the JMM will adopt a more aggressive stance. He mentioned that the party has already devised a strategy, which will be revealed at the appropriate time. All district committees and various organizational levels have been instructed accordingly. Party President and Chief Minister Hemant Soren has communicated with party workers and leaders via video conferencing, urging them to be prepared to oppose the bill in all situations.
He stated, “This will include protests and public awareness campaigns. If the bill is not withdrawn, we will halt the movement of all minerals from this state. No minerals will leave Jharkhand, leading to an economic blockade that the entire country will face.”
During this time, the JMM General Secretary also addressed the government’s stance on the Jharkhand student movement. He mentioned that the government is fully prepared to engage in discussions with students. He added, “The government has clearly stated that whenever and wherever students wish to talk, representatives will be ready to engage. Three rounds of talks have already taken place, and the committee members have conveyed the students’ demands to the Chief Minister, who has agreed to consider the legitimate requests.”
The JMM leader emphasized that the government’s doors are always open for students. They are welcome to agree to discussions at any time.
Pandey noted that even before the students’ movement, the government had already initiated action regarding the irregularities in the JPSC exam. Many individuals are currently behind bars, and those found guilty in the future will also face legal consequences.
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