Koda denies Munda's dictatorship in Jharkhand matter

Jamshedpur, Nov 8 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda today denied that Union coal minister and JMM supremo Shibu Soren was dictating term in Jharkhand affairs.

Asked whether the 'remote control' of Jharkhand has been in Mr Soren's hand, the Chief Minister negated the allegation and said the JMM leader had devoted his whole life for the cause of Jharkhand and his attachment to the state affairs was quite natural.

But Mr Soren's involvement in Jharkhand matter should not be looked upon as 'dictatorship', Mr Koda opined.

He said moreover, being a senior member of the UPA he has every right to give his opinion in the matter of Jharkhand.

About the induction of the jailed MLA Bhanupratap Sahi's father Hemendra Pratap Sahi as a 12th minister in yesterday's cabinet expansion, Mr Koda denied any difference with coalition partners over the issue and said the senior Sahi was inducted after discussion with members of other constituents.

Mr Sahi was inducted as per the constitutional norms, Mr Koda stated.

To a question, Mr Koda said the state's rehabilitation and surrender policies would be formulated by December this year.

He said the MoUs signed during the NDA regime would be reviewed and industrialisation in the state would not be hampered.

Earlier, during the opening of a new collectorate building here at Sakchi area, the Chief Minister stressed the need for time-bound work culture for a speedy disposal of pending works and an all round development of the state.

Mr Koda asked the officers to work with responsibility and if any one was found for dereliction of duty a stern action would be initiated against him or her. He also said he would undertake a sudden inspection in the government offices.

UNI BDG KK VA KP1910