Dumka, Jan. 27: The model code of conduct for the Poraiyahat Assembly bypoll may have prevented chief minister Babulal Marandi from launching development schemes in his home turf, but he made sure that his achievements were highlighted during a flag-hoisting ceremony here.

Marandi, who hoisted the Tricolor at Police Line Ground, urged the people to join hands with the government to ensure “better governance through all-round development” and make Jharkhand a model industrial state.

He said to ensure all-round development, the benefits of welfare projects should reach every section of the people. To achieve this, Marandi stressed the need for infrastructure facilities and optimum utilisation of resources available in the state.

He said the government was striving towards building a state where there would be no “hunger, fear and corruption”. The government, he said, was trying to bring the weaker sections of the society into the mainstream.

“We will make Jharkhand a model state with the cooperation of the people,” he said. Referring to the sacrifices of martyrs like Birsa Munda, Sidho, Kanhu, Chad, Bairon, Buddhu Bhagat, Tana Bhagat, Shakh Bhikari, Ganpath Rai, Biswnath Sahadev, Nilamber and Pitamber, he urged the people to extend their support to the government that “is trying to fulfill the dreams of the heroes”.

“Just 26 months back, history was made when Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar. Due to years of apathy, no development work has been undertaken in regions like Santhal Parganas. But now the government will transform these backward areas,” he said.

On extremism, he said the government would wipe out all rebel groups from the state. He said the police force has been modernised to fight the rebels.

A special jail court was held at Dumka sub-jail on the occasion. Thirty-five special cases were disposed of by district and sessions judge Ravindra Nath Veram.

Forty-five undertrials including four women and three children were acquitted. Earlier in the day, a tableau of tribal martyrs — Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu — presented by public relation department’s Dumka unit won the first prize at the function.

Marandi also inaugurated other Republic Day functions, which included the first Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament, organised by the district football association. Sixteen districts are participating in the tournament.