Legislators from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led ruling coalition have been instructed to remain in Ranchi for a crucial meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting aims to address the state’s political landscape amidst concerns over potential arrest of Chief Minister Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged land fraud case.
The ruling alliance comprises the JMM, Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Jharkhand.
According to JMM general secretary and spokesperson Vinod Kumar Singh, the proposed gathering, scheduled to take place at the Chief Minister’s residence.
It aims to strategize regarding the prevailing political circumstances and the anticipated interrogation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning the land case, set for Wednesday.
“He stated that they will convene on Tuesday to deliberate on future strategies.”
Soren, in correspondence with the ED, confirmed his willingness to provide his statement regarding an alleged land scandal at his official residence in Ranchi on January 31 at 1 pm.
When queried about Soren’s return to Ranchi, Singh refrained from commenting. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan emphasized the importance of upholding the law, stating, “Similar to the media, we await the Chief Minister’s response.
No one is exempt from the law. We must adhere to constitutional norms, ensuring the preservation of law and order.”
Government Imposes Section 144 Near Soren’s Residences and ED Office:
In response to ongoing investigations, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been enforced within a 100-meter radius of Chief Minister Soren’s official residence, Raj Bhavan, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Ranchi.
JMM Legislators Convene at Soren’s Official Residence in Delhi:
Following an ED team’s visit to Chief Minister Soren’s official residence in Delhi for questioning regarding a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged land fraud case.
JMM legislators remained at his residence in Delhi late into the night on Monday.
Repeated ED Summonses Remain Unanswered by Soren:
Despite being questioned by the ED at his official residence in Ranchi on January 20. Chief Minister Soren has ignored nine summonses issued by the agency.
Official sources have stated that Soren is currently “missing” and unreachable by the probe agency.
Soren’s Agreement to Further Questioning by ED:
Having left for Delhi from Ranchi on January 27, Chief Minister Soren has communicated via email with the agency.
It consented to undergo further questioning by ED investigators on January 31 at his Ranchi residence around 1 pm.
JMM Alleges Unconstitutionality of ED’s Actions:
The JMM has condemned the ED’s actions against Chief Minister Soren, deeming them “unconstitutional.” The party alleges that the move appears to be politically motivated.
It asserts that Soren has no involvement in the case under investigation.
