By IANS
Ranchi : The Congress, a key ally of the Madhu Koda government in Jharkhand, has decided to boycott the state’s foundation day ceremony to protest against what it calls the worsening law and order situation.
“We will stay away from the state function. Union Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken will be in Ranchi Nov 15 and he will submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Madhu Koda and give him a timeframe to improve the state’s scenario,” Pradeep Balmuchu, state Congress president, said here Monday.
The Congress says the law and order situation is worsening, the power scenario is bleak and the condition of roads remains abysmal.
In the last 15 days, Maoist rebels killed 18 people in Chilkhari village of Giridih district, while Ashish Dey — a co-owner of shoe and leather firm Sreeleathers — was gunned down in Jamshedpur.
Balmuchu also took a dig at Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief and state United Progressive Alliance (UPA) steering committee chairperson Shibu Soren.
“Shibu Soren is the captain but the ship is missing. When there are no members of the steering committee, how is Soren still the chairperson of committee?” he asked.
The JMM chief and ministers have expressed unhappiness over the Congress’ criticism.
“It is the responsibility of all parties supporting the government to help in its functioning. Koda had not come to us, rather we had supported him to form the government,” Soren, a former central minister, said and appealed to the Congress to rethink its decision to boycott the foundation day ceremony.
“If anyone feels development is not taking place in the state then he should talk to us. Issuing statements to the media will not solve the problem,” Rural Development Minister Enos Ekka said.
Echoing his sentiment, Water Resources Minister Kamlesh Singh said: “The Congress should avoid passing such remarks. If there is any problem it should be solved by holding a meeting.”