A high-level state Congress delegation from Jharkhand, spearheaded by party president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, convened with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership in a crucial review meeting on Wednesday. This scheduled gathering aimed to thoroughly evaluate the party's organizational functioning and assess the performance of the alliance government currently in power in Jharkhand.
High-Profile Attendance and Key Discussions
The significant meeting was presided over by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and witnessed the participation of prominent central leader Rahul Gandhi alongside other senior national figures. The delegation from Jharkhand included Congress ministers serving in the state cabinet, elected Members of Parliament, and several Members of the Legislative Assembly, ensuring comprehensive representation.
During the extensive discussions, the central leadership placed strong emphasis on the imperative to work diligently towards fulfilling the seven key guarantees that were promised to voters during the campaign for the 2024 Jharkhand assembly elections. This focus underscores the party's commitment to delivering on its electoral pledges and addressing public expectations.
Defending Progressive PESA Rules
In his post-meeting remarks to journalists, state Congress president Kamlesh revealed that the central leadership had expressed appreciation for Jharkhand's recently enacted Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) rules. Kamlesh addressed criticisms from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and certain tribal groups who have labeled these rules as "anti-tribal," firmly stating that the Congress views them as progressive and beneficial legislation.
"The PESA rules formulated and implemented by the Jharkhand state government stand as the best in the country to date," Kamlesh asserted. "While drafting these crucial regulations, special attention was meticulously given to Jharkhand's traditional systems, established customs, and customary laws, ensuring they respect and incorporate local heritage."
He further clarified that these PESA rules were among the fundamental poll promises made by the Congress and its alliance partners during the 2024 assembly elections. The formulation process involved extensive public consultations across communities before finalization, followed by formal approval from the cabinet led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Dismissing Rumors of Internal Dissent
Addressing circulating speculation about potential dissent within the party ranks, particularly concerning some ministers from the Congress quota, Kamlesh firmly dismissed these reports as entirely baseless. He emphasized the unity and cohesion within the alliance, stating that neither any MLA nor any minister is dissatisfied with the current functioning.
"We are all working together in complete unity and harmony," Kamlesh declared. "Due to excellent coordination between the party organization and the government machinery, pro-people initiatives and developmental works are being carried out at an accelerated pace across Jharkhand, benefiting the citizens."
This meeting highlights the Congress party's ongoing efforts to strengthen its governance model in Jharkhand, defend its policy achievements like the PESA rules, and present a united front ahead of future political challenges, while reaffirming its dedication to implementing promised welfare measures for the state's populace.
