EC seeks reply from Jharkhand govt over charges against Soren

THE GOVERNOR HAD REFERRED THE MATTER TO THE ECI, WHICH HAS NOW SOUGHT INFORMATION FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT

RANCHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought response from the Jharkhand government over the allegation that chief minister Hemant Soren used his office to get stone mining lease on the outskirts of Ranchi, people aware of the development said on Saturday.

The ECI has written to Jharkhand chief secretary Sukhdev Singh seeking ‘authentication’ of the documents related to the granting of mining lease to the chief minister, a top official said, requesting anonymity.

“The ECI started the proceedings after Jharkhand governor referred the matter for the election body’s legal opinion in March last week. Only the ECI can decide on issue related to office of profit for elected representatives,” said the official. “The commission has therefore written to the state government seeking information and authentication of the documents related to granting of the lease before sending its opinion to the Governor.”

The matter pertains to granting of an in-principle approval for stone quarrying lease in Soren’s name on a government land on the outskirts of Ranchi. The approval was cleared by the mines and environment departments, headed by Soren.

The matter was first raised by former chief minister Raghubar Das on February 10, who demanded Soren’s resignation. A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by Das and incumbent legislature party leader Babulal Marandi, also met governor Ramesh Bais on February 11. The delegation sought disqualification and removal of Soren as chief minister claiming that he violated constitutional provision under Section 9A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951. “Section 9A is

Hemant Soren related to disqualification for government contracts, etc wherein a person shall be disqualified if, and for so long as, there subsists a contract entered into by him in the course of his trade or business with the appropriate government for the supply of goods to, or for the execution of any works undertaken, by that government,” the BJP argued in its memorandum.

Acting on the memorandum, the governor had referred the matter to the ECI, which has now sought information from the state government.

Chief secretary Sukhdev Singh said he was yet to see the official communication. “Office is closed due to official leave since Thursday. I can comment only after the office opens on Monday,” he said.

Advocate general Rajiv Ranjan, representing the government, had informed the court that the granting of lease was a “mistake” and the CM has already “surrendered” the lease. The court, however, directed the state to file its reply and posted the matter for hearing on April 22.