Jharkhand political crisis: CM Hemant Soren calls back 4 ministers ahead of crucial cabinet meet today

RANCHI: In continuing efforts to save the JMM-led coalition government in Jharkhand, chief minister Hemant Soren summoned four Congress ministers back to Ranchi from a Naya Raipur resort, ahead of a crucial cabinet meeting on Thursday.
As a result, four Congress ministers-Rameshwar Oraon, Alamgir Alam, Banna Gupta and Badal Patralekh, were escorted back to Ranchi by RJD minister Satyanand Bhokta.
In their place, JVM-P MLA Pradep Yadav who stayed back in Ranchi on medical grounds was flown to Raipur to join the rest of the UPA MLAs. "You all know why the MLAs are camping in Raipur. We have seen how the BJP has been responsible for debacle of elected governments in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh Goa and others, but Jharkhand cannot be a soft target for them," Alam, who has the dual role of leading the Congress legislative party in the assembly and handling parliamentary affairs on behalf of the government said.
"All the trouble is linked to Raj Bhavan as it has not yet clarified the prevailing uncertainty. It should come clear about the decision of the election commission on membership of the chief minister," he said, adding how continuing with the stalemate was aimed at giving more time to the saffron brigade to conveniently try their hands on horse trading. The BJP has vehemently denied the allegations and said picnic-gigs and 'resort politics' by the ruling camp was only to deflect the attention and set a new narrative.
During the cabinet meeting, Soren is likely to take several important decisions aimed at solidifying the resolve of the UPA government in the state in acting towards the larger good of the electorate.
Sources in the government said instead of using a special session for trust vote, the government would use the opportunity for taking a decision on defining locals.
"Definition of locals based on the last land survey of 1932 is a long pending demand of the locals and tribals. Our government was always keen on taking a decision on this matter and the special session is likely to be summoned for taking such decisions, which goes a long way in shaping the future of the state," said a JMM leader privy to the ongoing brainstorming sessions going on within the party.
During the special session, 27% reservation for OBC could also be taken up.
"Once cleared by the house, UPA would be ready for facing elections even," said another senior functionary of the party.