Jharkhand CM should have consulted on domicile policy: AJSU

BJP ally All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) on Wednesday said Chief Minister Raghubar Das should have consulted his alliance partners on the state's domicile policy as well as the changes proposed to be made in two land acts.

"The Chief Minister should have held consultations within the party as well as with the alliance partners before formulating the domicile policy and proposing changes in the land acts. In a democracy, consultations are a key to resolving issues," AJSU President Sudesh Mahto told IANS.

The BJP and the AJSU fought the 2014 assembly polls together and won 37 and five seats, respectively, following which the Raghubar Das government, supported by the AJSU, was formed.

Mahto said the AJSU has launched 'Jan ki Baat' campaign in Jharkhand on August 8 to mobilise support on the two issues.

"Six lakh postcards will be sent to the Chief Minister by the people, expressing views on the domicile policy and proposed changes in the two land acts. Our agitation will continue till our demands are fulfilled. We have chalked out a three-phase agitation and the first phase will conclude on August 14," the AJSU leader said.

The state government has sent to the President of India an ordinance for approval, which will facilitate changes in the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhala Pargana Tenancy Act.

Both Acts were formulated to protect the land rights of the tribals and other local residents but the ordinance will facilitate acquisition of land for road, power and other development projects.

"Even Bharatiya Janata Party MPs and MLAS have expressed concern over the domicile policy and the changes proposed in the two land acts. This indicates that the decisions were taken in hurry without consultations. Das should have consulted party leaders, alliance partners, opposition parties and different section of society before taking crucial decisions," said Mahto.

--IANS

ns/tsb/dg