Shibu Soren: Tight spot

Ranchi, April 8: Efforts by JMM’s allies to persuade Sita Soren to quit Jama so that her father-in-law Shibu Soren can contest from there in the Assembly byelection are yet to bear fruits.

Sita’s “mysterious” silence has left Guruji guessing too even as he completed 100 days in office today.

According to sources, the alliance partners have engaged social welfare minister Sudha Choudhary to convince Sita to make the big sacrifice for her father-in-law in larger interest of the state. Choudhary greeted Sita at Birsa Munda airport last evening after she arrived from Delhi and escorted her home.

Today, the JD(U) MLA remained closeted with Sita at an undisclosed location while Soren patiently waited at his office for the good news. But Choudhary was forced to return empty-handed. On the other hand, Assembly Speaker C.P. Singh confirmed that neither any legislator had tendered resignation nor anyone had sought an appointment with him to do so.

But both Choudhary and Sita were not available to comment. While the latter’s confidants refused to say anything on the matter, Choudhary’s husband Narendra Kumar said she was busy. ”

Sources further said that Guruji’s allies have categorically asked him to decide at the earliest which Assembly seat he would be contesting and make necessary arrangements accordingly.

Soren is believed to have expressed his willingness to contest from Jama. Initially, Sita, too, had agreed to step aside for Guruji. But then she suddenly left for an “undisclosed” destination. On her return yesterday, she claimed to have gone to Delhi to meet her children. Insiders said that she wanted to have plain talks with her father-in-law before taking the final decision.

This, again, has given room to the Opposition to raise a hue and cry.

“We will field a potential candidate against Soren. But let him first decide which Assembly seat he will contest. It is evident that even his son and daughter-in-law are not happy with his leadership. Then, how will he run the state?,” said Congress leader Stephen Marandi.

Martyr kin honour

The Shibu Soren government has decide to felicitate the family of brothers Sidho and Kanhu during Vikas Mela on the birth anniversary of the martyrs on April 11.

Archna Soren and Saheb Ram Murmu, two members of the family with intermediate-level education, will get Grade III jobs in the district while another family member, Bha-gwat Murmu, will be given a watchman’s job at Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls School at Uduwa in Rajmahal sub-division, Sahebganj.