Marandi's corruption issue only an "eyewash": Soren

Ranchi, May 21: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief and Union Coal Minister Sibu Soren has termed the issues of corruption and extremism raised by Mr Babulal Marandi as "eye wash" and said the latter's move of giving up the Lok Sabha seat was an act of "betrayal".

Mr Soren also claimed that the UPA government at the Centre was not interested in the ongoing development in Jharkhand for it was purely an internal affair of the BJP.

Chosing to launch a frontal attack, he said Mr Marandi was the First Chief Minister of Jharkhand and could have done a lot to tackle the burning issues on which he announced resignation from the BJP and Lok Sabha seat.

"Rather the corruption which has now taken deeps roots in the state had its origin during Mr Marandi's tenure," the union minister and former Jharkhand chief minister said.

"Now his (Marandi's) shouting about such issues is nothing but eyewash," he said.

On the move of giving up of the Lok Sabha seat, Mr Soren said, "Mr Marandi known for his blow hot and cold temperament only betrayed the people's hopes reposed on him." To a query on resignation of Mr Stephen Marandi, who had resigned from state UPA's convenor's post on May 18, Mr Soren said it would not have any impact for the UPA, which could move sans a convenor.

UNI