JVM-Cong to form govt after Munda''s by-poll defeat: Marandi

Jamshedpur, Feb 8 (PTI) Predicting the defeat of ArjunMunda in coming Kharswan assembly by-poll, Jharkhand VikasMorcha (Prajatantrik) (JVM) President Babulal Marandi todayclaimed the JVM-Congress alliance was certain to form agovernment after that date.

"We will bid the Munda regime a grand farewell afterFebruary 17, the counting day of by-poll, and stake claim toform a government", Marandi told a press conference here aftercampaigning for the Kharswan assembly by-election inSaraikela-Kharswan district came to an end today.

Claiming a strong anti-Munda wave was sweeping acrossthe constituency, Marandi described the Kharswan poll as acontest between ''dhan bal of Munda'' (Money power) versus ''Janbal of Opposition'' (People''s power).

We have apprised the Chief Election Commission aftertruck-loads of rice, allegedly meant to distribute amongvoters to influence them in favour of Munda, was seized inKhuntpani block yesterday, Marandi alleged.

Marandi claimed that the industrialists were beinggiven a free hand to acquire land and were even grabbing farmland in Kharswan, with people facing police wrath forresisting the move.

Stating that 75 MoUs had been inked with prospectiveinvestors, Marandi said people of the state including Kharswanwere very much scared of losing their land.

Demanding formation of an industrial policy, theformer Jharkhand Chief Minister said Jharkhand in general andKolhan region in particular have abundance of minerals but thepeople were poor while the outsiders were taking away ourresources and prospering.

A two-day JVM Working Committee was slated fromFebruary 21.