Marandi predicts mid-term polls in Jharkhand

Jamshedpur, Sep 4 (UNI) Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) President Babulal Marandi predicted mid-term polls in Jharkhand saying the ruling BJP-led NDA government would crumble any moment.

Addressing a rally here last night, the former chief minister said recent developments were indicating a sudden collapse of Arjun Munda government.

He said even if the UPA with the help of the rebel independent MLAs managed to form a government, it would not last long and mid-term elections would be the only solution to itself a stable government in the state.

Training guns at the Arjun Munda cabubet, Mr Marandi said the government had even failed to construct a 45-km stretch of road at Hatgamharia-Baraiburu road in west Sighbhum district in three years which proved that corruption was ruling the roost in the state.

He also termed the signing of MoUs of about Rs 100 crore investments as nothing but an ''eyewash'' and said the industries were invited in the state without a proper Relief and Rehabilitation (R and R) policy.

Referring to the abduction of a prominent industrialist on Sunday night from a National Highway here, Mr Munda asked how the industrialists would come in the state when the government failed to provide security to them.

Speaking on the occasion JVM general secretary Stephen Marandi said a rally of such strength despite inclement weather was proof enough that the people were in favour of a change of guard in Ranchi and their wish would be fulfilled soon, he said.

Accusing the chief minister of ''misusing'' government funds, Mr Marandi demanded the government should issue a white paper on Mr Munda's foreign trips.

JVM leader Saba Ahmed said the party would emerge as an alternative political force in the state and it would strictly abide by a secular agenda.

Several JVM leaders from the Kolhan division including Surya Singh Besra, Abhay Singh, Banna Gupta, Vinod Srivastava and Som Marandi, the BJP MLA, who joined the JVM recently also addressed the gathering.

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