BJP Condemns Jharkhand CM's Rs 100 Crore Residence as Wasteful Tribal Fund Spending
In a sharp critique, BJP state president Aditya Sahu on Sunday labeled the chief minister's new residence project as a wasteful expenditure of the hard-earned money of moolvasis and tribals in Jharkhand. Speaking to the media at his party office in Ranchi, Sahu accused the CM of hypocrisy, stating, "The CM who calls himself the leader of a government for the poor is building a 'sheeshmahal' worth Rs 100 crore while the economically weaker section does not have a house to live in."
Allegations of Neglect and Financial Mismanagement
Sahu further alleged that poor people in the state are being deprived of essential benefits, including abua awas, old age pension, and payments for paddy procurement. He highlighted that the building construction department has floated a tender worth Rs 67 crore for the project, with additional costs for interior designing and furniture potentially pushing the total expenditure to around Rs 100 crore.
Comparing to Previous Cases
Drawing a comparison, Sahu referenced a Comptroller and Auditor General of India report, noting that the cost of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence increased by 342 percent to reach Rs 33.66 crore. He asserted that the Jharkhand CM's residence would be three times more expensive than Kejriwal's, emphasizing the scale of the expenditure.
Political Reactions and Warnings
Sahu warned that BJP workers would protest in a democratic manner if the CM does not abandon the project. In response, Congress state spokesman Rakesh Sinha defended the initiative, stating, "The statement reflects the dual character of BJP. The projects which are termed as symbols of development during BJP rule are called wasteful when opposition-ruled government takes them up. The modernization of the CM residence is an administrative necessity."
This controversy highlights ongoing political tensions in Jharkhand over governance priorities and fiscal responsibility.
