Quarry case: Jharkand CM blames BJP for disqualification threat
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New Delhi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren blamed Opposition the state BJP on Thursday for the threat he is facing of disqualification as an MLA. The disqualification threat arose after BJP filed a petition alleging that Soren held an office profit, IANS reported.
IANS learned that the Election Commission had submitted its report on the matter before Governor Ramesh Bais.
Soren stated, "it seems BJP leaders and their puppets have drafted the report, which is in a sealed cover". He was not communicated formally, Soren added, but it is learnt that the BJP is confident in its petition against the CM.
BJP had accused Soren of extending a mining lease to himself and called the same a violation of office of profit and Representation of the People's Act. The party wrote to the Governor, informing him of its views on the matter.
With the issuance of the Governor's order on the poll panel's recommendations, Soren's Assembly membership could end, and in such a situation, he may have to resign as Chief Minister. However, the JMM-Congress alliance, led by Soren, has a majority in the Assembly, and after his resignation, he can again stake a claim to form the government in the state.
Further, it is not clear whether Soren has been disqualified from contesting elections.
Governor, who is currently in Delhi, will reach Ranchi today, and his announcement is expected after that.
The lease of a stone quarry in Angada block in Ranchi was issued in the name of Soren, but he surrendered it later. However, on the BJP's complaint, the EC conducted a hearing on the matter and reserved its decision on August 18.
In 2019, Soren was elected MLA from Dumka and Barhait Assembly constituencies. Later, he resigned from the Dumka, and his brother Basant Soren won the bypoll.
However, Basant Soren is also accused of taking a mine's lease while being an MLA, and the poll panel has fixed the matter for hearing on August 28. As Basant Soren's case is similar to Hemant Soren's, he is also likely to lose his membership.