Tenancy act row widens cracks in ruling coalition

RANCHI: After maintaining a low profile for one and a half years, Ajsu Party has started raising its voice against the ruling BJP and decisions of chief minister Raghubar Das.
Party president Sudesh Mahato on Saturday criticized the Das government for its hurried decision of introducing amendments to the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act by bringing an ordinance without taking alliance partners into confidence.
"Dialogue, debate and discussion are essential elements in a democracy and if the government is trying to avoid it over any issue, it may have to face difficulty," Mahto said.
He asked the chief minister to explain to the people the urgent need for bringing an ordinance for amending land laws, which are traditionally aimed at protecting the rights of tribals over their property, which is land in case of Jharkhand. Citing excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech and promises made by Das from various forums about protecting rights of tribal, Mahato said the government must explain its urgency and need for ordinance few days ahead of the monsoon session. "The issue could have been discussed in the House during the session but they avoided it," he said.
The party that entered a pre-poll alliance with BJP on issue-based support, has been critical of Das government over the issue of definition of locals and amendments being introduced to the land laws through ordinance.
Despite having one minister in the Das cabinet, Ajsu Party understands well that the importance of its support has been limited by BJP after it engineered split in the JVM-P and managed to bag support of six MLAs, two out of which were offered ministerial berth and Ajsu Party had to be contended with one.
Mahato dodged question on whether the party was ready to withdraw support. "Withdrawal of support is not the solution and required changes could be brought in policy matters while being in government," he said.
Quoting relevant sections of provisions of amendment in the laws, Mahato said the CNT Act could be amended only on recommendation of board of revenue whereas in case of SPT Act, commissioner Santhal Pargana in consultation with the gram sabha can introduce any changes in the fundamental Act.
"On these grounds the amendment proposals moved by secretary land and revenue department are not only violation of law but requires explanation by the government," he said.
Mahato expressed surprise that the amendment paves way for the use of tribal land for construction of hotels, marriage halls and others on tribal land. "On the one hand, the word 'etc' in an Act is violation of established provisions and on the other, amendment in land laws for the purpose of construction of hotel and marriage halls appears silly," he said.