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Ghatshila (Jharkhand), November 4 (IANS) The political atmosphere in Jharkhand intensified on Monday after Chief Minister and JMM president Hemant Soren allegedly made objectionable remarks against the business community.
Addressing a press conference at Ghatshila in East Singhbhum on Tuesday, BJP state working president and Rajya Sabha MP Aditya Sahu strongly condemned the chief minister’s comments and demanded an immediate public apology.
Sahu said that during a rally in Musabani, Hemant Soren said, “Businessmen first hold their feet, then hold their neck.”
Terming the remarks as “highly derogatory and indecent”, Sahu said it was an insult to the hardworking and honest business community of Jharkhand.
Stating that the business fraternity is the backbone of the state’s economy and society, he said traders played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic by supplying ration, medicines and essential commodities even when the government machinery failed to respond.
Sahu alleged that the Chief Minister’s statement reflected “arrogance of power” and a careless mentality towards those who have contributed significantly to the development of the state.
He issued a warning saying that if Hemant Soren did not apologise, the BJP along with members of the business community would start a statewide protest.
He further attacked the state government, alleging that large-scale corruption and illegal trade was taking place under his watch.
Sahu claimed, “There is open looting of sand, coal, iron and land. Sand worth Rs 500 is being sold for Rs 5,000 and the mafia has full protection from the government.”
Expressing concern over the safety of traders in the state, he said that incidents of extortion, threats and extortion have increased rapidly.
The BJP MP alleged, “All this is happening on the instigation of Hemant Soren ji. If the administration had been alert, the business community would not have been living in fear.”
Sahu stressed that the BJP stands firmly with the business community and the people of Jharkhand and vowed to fight a decisive battle against the mafia-backed government.
The by-election in Ghatsila is scheduled to be held on November 11, where BJP’s Babulal Soren, son of former CM Champai Soren, popularly known as ‘Kolhan Tiger’, will face JMM’s Somesh Soren.
–IANS
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