Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren Launches Scathing Attack on Union Budget
In a strongly worded critique, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has declared that the Union budget presented on February 1 is likely to inflict severe damage on the nation's poor, agricultural community, and overall economic stability. Speaking to journalists in Ranchi following a state cabinet meeting on Thursday, Soren expressed deep concern about the budget's potential consequences.
Budget Could Push Country Toward Starvation, Claims CM
"Going by this year's budget, I wonder how much funding will actually be utilized for genuine national development," Soren stated emphatically. "The situation appears so dire that this budget might actually lead our country toward widespread starvation." The chief minister's comments represent one of the most forceful political responses to the recently announced financial blueprint.
Farmers Face Existential Threat from Foreign Competition
Soren specifically targeted agricultural policies within the budget, warning that opening India's farming sector to foreign markets could have catastrophic consequences. "The agricultural sector forms one of the core foundations of our nation," he explained. "When we open markets to foreign food items and agricultural equipment, can our farmers realistically compete? These central government policies will negatively impact not just farmers, but also the poor, labor classes, small businesses, tribal communities, Dalits, and numerous other vulnerable groups."
Parliamentary Norms Being Undermined, Says Soren
When questioned about Congress allegations regarding Rahul Gandhi being denied speaking opportunities in Parliament, Soren responded dismissively. "What's new about this? This has become standard practice," he remarked. "The current regime demonstrates little respect for constitutional principles or parliamentary traditions."
Jharkhand's Mineral Wealth Exploited While State Neglected
Earlier in the day, while addressing a political rally in Koderma, Soren accused the central government of "systematically" neglecting Jharkhand's development needs while simultaneously exploiting the state's abundant mineral resources. "If Jharkhand decides to withhold its mineral resources, the entire country would be plunged into darkness," he warned, indicating the state's readiness to retaliate against continued neglect.
The Koderma rally marked the formal induction of former zila parishad chairperson Shalini Gupta and her supporters into the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) fold. Soren used the occasion to highlight regional issues, particularly criticizing unplanned mica mining operations that have forced local residents to migrate for employment and contributed to elevated child labor rates.
"By deliberately keeping this region underdeveloped, central authorities have ensured a steady supply of cheap labor for metropolitan infrastructure projects," Soren alleged, connecting local hardships to broader economic patterns.
Education as Jharkhand's Development Cornerstone
Transitioning to his administration's priorities, Soren identified education as the primary instrument for combating economic and intellectual vulnerabilities. He highlighted several flagship initiatives:
- The Chief Minister's Schools of Excellence program
- Scholarship schemes sending local students abroad for higher education
- Establishment of Ambedkar University in Chatra district
In a pointed contrast to opposition approaches, Soren characterized his political rivals as "takers rather than givers," while promoting his government's 'Maiyan Samman Yojana' welfare program.
BJP Defends Budget as Inclusive and Progressive
Responding to the criticism, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo defended the Union budget as comprehensive and forward-looking. "The budget addresses the needs of all societal classes and will pave the way for a developed, self-reliant India," Shahdeo asserted, countering Soren's bleak assessment.
The political exchange underscores deepening tensions between the Jharkhand government and central administration over economic policy, resource allocation, and development priorities as the state prepares for upcoming electoral challenges.
