Corruption is likely to be the key issue of political parties in the coming assembly polls considering the series of financial irregularities that have surfaced in Jharkhand.
Corruption is likely to be the key issue of political parties in the coming assembly polls considering the series of financial irregularities that have bedevilled Jharkhand since its creation.
Ever since the state was carved out of Bihar on November 15, 2000, high profile corrupt dealings by politicians and bureaucrats have marred the state's progress.
The recent examples are suspension of two IAS officers on charges of financial irregularities after CBI booked cases against them and alleged money laundering by former chief minister Madhu Koda.
"Corruption will certainly be a major poll issue and we want a thorough probe into corruption scandals since 2001 as suggested by the BJP's Jharkhand unit president, Raghuvar Das," BJP's national vice-president Karuna Shukla said.
"Congress has zero tolerance against corruption," echoed AICC leader Abdul Manan while recalling that the Congress had removed former external affairs minister Natwar Singh following his alleged role in the oil for food scam.
While the BJP will continue its alliance with the JD(U), the Congress has stitched a new tie-up with Babulal Marandi's Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantric). Apart from the money laundering case involving Koda, there were several other cases, involving former state ministers and officials, pending in the high court and the vigilance court.
As many as nine former ministers are facing corruption charges with some ministers also being booked by the Enforcement Directorate. Former ministers Harinarain Rai and Enos Ekka are presently in judicial custody.
"Corruption in this region has a historical background. Fodder scam and bitumen scam were detected in Ranchi and in other places in Jharkhand. And the political instability has left corruption unchallenged," renowned economist Ramesh Sharan said.
Jharkhand completed nine years today and the results of the five-phase assembly elections leading to the formation of the seventh government begins on November 25.
While Marandi and Koda led one government each, BJP's Arjun Munda and JMM chief Shibu Soren ruled the state twice.
Independent candidates have been instrumental in the making and breaking of governments since 2005 till President's Rule was imposed after four governments failed to deliver.
A total of 212 candidates are contesting as Independents for the 26 seats that go for the first phase polls.
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