Jharkhand Mukti Morcha: Tenancy acts changed to woo voters

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Thursday said the state government's decision to amend the Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) and Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) acts was a ploy to influence Godda and Panki voters before by-elections on May 16.
JMM lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against the cabinet's May 3 announcement that would allow owners of agricultural land to convert their plots for commercial use.JMM said the decision was a "move to sway voters in favour of BJP candidates contesting both seats."
In what promises to be a crucial election, JMM has fielded former Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik from Godda. The BJP-Ajsu Party combine has fielded Amit Mandal and Lal Suraj for Godda and Panki respectively.
"Godda and Panki come under scheduled V areas and under constitutional powers. The right to approve amendment lies solely with the President after deliberations with the Centre," JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said in a written statement. "The decision to amend both tenancy acts is an attempt to influence voters in both constituencies," Bhattacharya added.
The state cabinet on May 3 amendment three sections of the CNT and SPT acts, which would allow owners to convert agricultural land for commercial constructions while keeping their ownership rights intact.
The amendments, which will be tabled before the assembly for approval during the monsoon session, mandate acquirers to return procured land to original landowners if the proposed work does not commence within five years from the date of acquisition. Under the new amendment, the acquirers would not be refunded the compensation amount (which would be paid to land owners) also.
In its letter to the commission, JMM requested chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi to put the act under the model code of conduct (MCC) violations and ensure necessary action. State BJP leaders could not be reached for comments.