Jharkhand CM Skips ED Summon, Alleges BJP Conspiracy. Oppn Demands 'Strong Action'

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren skipped another ED summon, alleging a BJP conspiracy. The ED had issued the sixth summons related to a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, a key leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), on Tuesday, skipped an Enforcement Directorate (ED) summon related to a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. The chief minister attended a state government outreach programme in Dumka, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for more than 5,350 projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore, news agency PTI reported.

Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of conspiring against his government, CM Soren slammed the opposition during the programme. The ED had issued a fresh summons to Soren for questioning in connection with the money laundering case associated with an alleged land scam. He was scheduled to appear before the ED's regional office in Ranchi at 11 am.

Addressing a public meeting at Koraiya panchayat in Dumka district, CM Hemant Soren stated, "Many people thought that I would not be able to attend the programme today. Our opposition has constantly been conspiring against the government and trying to divert people’s attention. We will not tolerate the people who defame this sacred land", as quoted by PTI.

As Soren participated in the scheduled government programme in Dumka, an official from the Chief Minister's Office delivered a letter to the ED office. The content of the letter remains undisclosed, PTI's report mentioned.

This marks the sixth ED summons issued to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who has consistently avoided appearing, opting instead to file petitions before the Supreme Court and later the Jharkhand High Court, seeking protection from the agency's actions, terming the summonses as unwarranted. Both courts have dismissed his petitions.

ED Should Take 'Strong Action': BJP As Jharkhand CM Skips Yet Another Summon

In response to the chief minister's non-compliance, the Jharkhand BJP demanded stern action by the ED. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo asserted, "ED has given enough time to CM, now it should take strong action."

All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) leader Devsaran Bhagat told PTI, "He should respect the (ED) summon. If an allegation is made against a public representative, then he should openly give an answer to it. You went to High Court and Supreme Court but did not get any relief. This sends a bad message for people as those who do wrong things will say that even the Chief Minister doesn't do it (follow the law). They will be encouraged and the state with see lawlessness." 

During the Dumka programme, CM Soren highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen the rural economy and expand the reach of its schemes. He stated, "Today, there is no house left where the government’s scheme has not reached. Now, officials are reaching your houses to provide your benefits", as quoted by the report.

Among the initiatives mentioned by the chief minister were the establishment of 80 schools of excellence in the first phase, with plans to increase the number to 5,000. He also announced the construction of 800 km of rural roads connecting villages with Dumka town and the approval for an additional 650 km of roads at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. The government's focus on enhancing education and transportation facilities reflects its commitment to holistic development in the region.