JMM MLA Baidyanath Ram Dropped from Ministers List, Threatens Independent Run

JMM MLA Baidyanath Ram, excluded from the ministerial list at the last minute, voiced his displeasure and hinted at contesting as an independent candidate in the upcoming assembly elections.

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Ranchi, February 16: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Baidyanath Ram, who was reportedly excluded from the ministerial list at the last minute, voiced his displeasure on Friday. He declared that he would not tolerate this affront and might run as an independent candidate in the upcoming assembly elections if necessary.

Basant Soren and Others Sworn In

Basant Soren, the youngest son of JMM supremo Shibu Soren, along with seven others, took the oath as ministers in Jharkhand's Champai Soren-led government on Friday. However, Baidyanath Ram's exclusion from the list has caused significant discontent.

Ram Alleges Pressure from Congress

Expressing his frustration, Ram asserted, "Everything was finalized, and my name was included in the ministers' list. But, at the last moment, my name was dropped. It is an insult, and I will not tolerate it." He further alleged, "Under pressure from the central leadership of Congress, my name was removed."

Assurance from Chief Minister

Ram revealed that Chief Minister Champai Soren had assured him that he would resolve the matter within two days. Despite this assurance, Ram maintained, "I may contest the assembly polls as an independent candidate if need be."

Internal Discord in Congress

Meanwhile, internal conflicts within Congress surfaced shortly after the allocation of portfolios to ministers. A group of Congress MLAs met with Jharkhand chief Rajesh Thakur to express their protest against the "repetition of ministers from the party's quota" in the new cabinet.

MLAs' Grievances

Four Congress leaders—Alamgir Alam, Rameshwar Oraon, Banna Gupta, and Badal Patralekh—who were part of the previous Hemant Soren cabinet, were included in the Champai Soren cabinet as well. This decision did not sit well with some MLAs who felt they deserved an opportunity this time.

Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh voiced her concerns, stating, "We wanted an opportunity this time." Another legislator, Jaimangal Singh, revealed that the group had submitted a letter signed by 12 MLAs to the party chief regarding the matter. Jharkhand Congress chief Rajesh Thakur acknowledged the grievances and promised to convey them to the party high command.

The exclusion of Baidyanath Ram from the ministerial list has created tension within the JMM, while internal conflicts in Congress over portfolio allocation have further complicated the political landscape in Jharkhand. As the state prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, these developments could significantly impact the electoral outcomes.