Sanjay Raut Criticizes BJP for Postponing Elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] August 19: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has accused the BJP of delaying assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand to destabilize the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government. Raut claims that the BJP is trying to remove Hemant Soren from his position as Chief Minister and create instability in Jharkhand.

Raut stated, “Elections are postponed in Maharashtra and Jharkhand because they (BJP) want to remove Hemant Soren from the CM post, break his party and bring instability in Jharkhand. Elections are postponed because they want time for this.” He further alleged that the BJP is pressuring the Election Commission to delay the elections, saying, “The Election Commission is working against the Constitution and is under pressure.”

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren expressed his dissatisfaction with his treatment during his tenure, stating that he was “insulted” and that all options are open for him until the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly polls. He mentioned various instances where he was not allowed to call meetings and was asked to resign suddenly, prompting him to consider alternative paths.

Champai Soren said, “I have been trying to get the rights of the tribals, natives, poor, labourers, students and people of backward classes of the state. Whether I held any post or not, I was always available to the public, raising the issues of those people who had dreamt of a better future with the state of Jharkhand.”

Regarding the speculation of Champai Soren joining the NDA alliance, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari commented, “BJP was trying for a long time. Now people will understand why Jharkhand & Maharashtra’s elections are not being held with J&K and Haryana. BJP wanted to play this when Champai Soren was the CM. But they were unsuccessful then and will be unsuccessful even now.”

Jharkhand Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh denied the rumors of Champai Soren leaving the party, stating, “All of these are rumours and speculation. He said that he was on a personal visit to Delhi to meet his daughter. He is a dedicated leader of JMM and the alliance. The alliance has always respected him. He is not going leave this respect, his party and go somewhere else. This government will complete its tenure and we will form the government in the future also. The BJP is nervous because of the welfare schemes brought by us.”

The Election Commission has announced the dates for elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the counting of votes on October 4. Polling in Haryana will be held in a single phase in October, with results announced on October 4.