A major political controversy has erupted in Jharkhand with serious allegations of massive benami property holdings being leveled against a sitting Member of Parliament. The president of Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) and the incumbent MLA from Dumri, Jairam Mahto, on Thursday made a stunning accusation against Dhanbad MP Dulu Mahto.
Allegations of Massive Wealth Accumulation
Jairam Mahto, while appearing before a Dhanbad court in a separate case, publicly claimed that MP Dulu Mahto has amassed benami properties worth an astronomical Rs 40,000 crore over the years. To put this figure into perspective, the first-time MLA provided a striking analogy. He stated that even if a person were to live for 80 years and spend Rs 5 lakh every single day, it would take them 2,000 years to exhaust the sum of Rs 40,000 crore. This, he argued, clearly indicates the unimaginable scale of the alleged hidden assets.
"Such serious allegations must be investigated thoroughly," Jairam Mahto asserted. He emphasized that his claims are not baseless but are backed by concrete facts, describing himself as a researcher. The MLA did not stop at the MP alone; he also named three alleged partners of Dulu Mahto and demanded that their properties be scrutinized as part of the probe.
Legal Proceedings and Political Reactions
The allegations have already reached the highest judicial authority in the country. Jairam Mahto revealed that a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court regarding these benami assets allegedly linked to the Dhanbad MP. In a significant development, the Apex Court has directed the Jharkhand state government to investigate the matter.
The reaction from MP Dulu Mahto's camp was swift and dismissive. His representative, Nitin Bhatt, reacted sharply, accusing Jairam Mahto of deliberately trying to tarnish the MP's image for political gains. "The accusations are baseless and politically motivated, aimed solely at defaming a respected public representative," Bhatt claimed. Despite multiple attempts by media outlets, including TOI, MP Dulu Mahto himself did not respond to the allegations or take calls till late in the evening.
Broader Political Stance and Demands
Amidst this fiery exchange, Jairam Mahto also commented on other pressing state issues. He backed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) demand for conducting municipal elections in Jharkhand at the earliest possible time. Furthermore, he urged the state government to exercise caution regarding the implementation of the PESA (Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act) regulations.
These regulations were cleared by the state cabinet in December last year. Jairam Mahto stressed that a thorough review is essential before implementation. "Its implications should be carefully examined in the interest of tribal and local communities," he added, highlighting the need to protect vulnerable sections.
The unfolding scandal, with its jaw-dropping financial figures and direct Supreme Court involvement, has sent shockwaves through Jharkhand's political landscape. All eyes are now on the state government's investigation, which has been mandated by the Supreme Court, to uncover the truth behind the allegations of Rs 40,000 crore in benami properties.
