This story is from January 18, 2015

Rivals alarmed by BJP’s dual stand on land acts

Dumka: The BJP appears to be divided on the ‘controversial’ Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act as rival parties, particularly Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), have accused the party of attempting to repeal it.
Rivals alarmed by BJP’s dual stand on land acts
Dumka: The BJP appears to be divided on the ‘controversial’ Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act as rival parties, particularly Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), have accused the party of attempting to repeal it.
The saffron party conspicuously avoided repealing the Act initially during the formation of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, fearing adverse political consequences it could have on the party’s chances in the assembly election.

However, after BJP’s victory in the state, chief minister Raghubar Das firmly denied such apprehension. “The party has no intention either to repeal the tenancy acts (SPT and CNT Acts) or introduce amendments,” he had said.
The chief minister’s current stand on the issue differs from his previous thoughts, where he termed the Acts as being ‘symbols of British colonialism’. Therefore, JMM leaders are apprehensive that the CM might change his mind again. “The SPT Act forms a major part of tribals identity. It is not only about the land issue but incorporates various cultural and socio-economic aspects of the community,” said Vijay Singh, JMM’s central committee member.
Dumka BJP MLA Louis Marandi, and the only member in Das’ cabinet from Santhal Pargana, rejected reports that the party leadership intended to reconsider the prevalence of the Act.
This apart, a majority of non-tribal voters supported BJP in both the Lok Sabha and assembly elections with the view that the party would remain firm on its stand of making changes to the tenancy acts to facilitate selling and purchasing of local lands which is otherwise prohibited.

Godda BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is not happy with the party’s shift in its stand by saying that he has written to both the Prime Minister and chief minister to reconsider their stand on the pretext of the development of Santhal Pargana. “The SPT act is one of the major hindrances for the region’s development and must be amended to enable non-tribals to sell and purchase land,” said Dubey over phone from New Delhi.
Referring to such recommendations of the inquiry committee report headed by R E Russell, which formed the basis of the incorporation of the SPT Act in the constitution during British rule, Dubey said, “Unfortunately the report was implemented partly and it is time to implement it in its totality” said Dubey, adding he had attached the copies of this report with the letter to the PM and CM.
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