Dumka, May 19: The state government’s decision to shift the proposed circuit bench of the high court from Dumka to Deoghar has triggered a shadow boxing between deputy chief minister Stephen Marandi and JMM chief Shibu Soren.

Soren told reporters while visiting his home constituency, Dumka, on May 17 that the state government had asked Deoghar district administration to acquire land for the circuit bench near Rohini. He also said that lack of basic infrastructure at Dumka compelled the government to shelve the idea of establishing the circuit bench here.

Deputy chief minister Stephen Marandi, representing Dumka in the Assembly over the past 25 years, claimed ignorance about the development. He said the demand for establishing the circuit bench of the high court was a very old one and the process of land acquisition was also in the pipeline at Dumka. He even threatened to take to the street if the circuit bench of the high court comes up in Deoghar.

But in sharp contrast, Soren asserted that the decision to shift the venue of the proposed bench from Dumka to Deoghar was taken in a meeting in Ranchi in Stephen’s presence.

Chief minister Madhu Koda chaired the crucial meet, which unanimously decided to change the venue.

Soren alleged that Stephen was playing with the sentiment of Dumka residents.

The decision of shunting the proposed bench to Deoghar has drawn flak from lawyers and residents.

Soren, however, assured the delegation from Dumka district Bar association that he would support them.