Jharkhand: New BJP chief Laxman Gilua takes over from Tala Marandi, promises to work on tribal issues

Gilua said that the state BJP leadership was full of challenges and he was “willing to take it up with a smile”. Following his appointment on August 24 as the new BJP chief, Gilua was talking to the media at the Party office here for the first time, even as he was felicitated by the party workers.

Gilua, however, did not take to the stage saying he was yet to formally take over charge. Nevertheless, he would be participating in the meeting of state party chiefs and Chief Ministers of the BJP-ruled states called by national president Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday.

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Gilua’s statements comes in the wake of the fact that his predecessor, Tala Marandi, the first tribal BJP Chief of Jharkhand, had to resign amid a slew of controversies – including his comment on the tribal tenancy Acts that was against the stand taken by the state government.

“Whatever is important and helpful for the tribal of the state will be done. I will talk to the state government, leadership and, if need be, will also consult the national leaders,” said Gilua. He added that he was hopeful that all issues would be sorted out following discussions.

While refusing to make specific comment on the amendments in the CNTA (Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act) and the SPTA (Santhal Paragana Tenancy Act), Gilua said: “The priority of the state government and the party are the tribals. We will fulfill the dream of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas. I haven’t read it (the amendments) yet, but ‘jal, jangal, jameen’ is the right of the tribal and that will be taken care of. Mutual consultations will sort out problems.” He also said that the ‘domicile’ policy of Jharkhand was good, even as the state government was ready to incorporate changes if necessary.

The state government has passed an ordinance to amend the CNTA and SPTA, which pertains primarily to the rights of the tribal to be able to sell their land for commercial purposes. The opposition is fighting tooth and nail to stall the ordinance, amid voices along the same lines within the BJP. The ordinance is currently with the President for his assent. The main opposition Jharkhand Mukti Morcha had even met the President and requested him not to give his assent.

Asked about the fact that many in the party were angry due to the committee announced by Marandi, the new president said: “It is not that there were no good workers in that team. I will definitely include the good workers from that team.” He added that a new executive would be announced shortly.