Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren on Thursday challenged the BJP-led central government to arrest him if he had committed a crime and not question just make the Enforcement Directorate (ED) question him in the money laundering case.
Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren speaks at a gathering. (ANI Twitter)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Soren said he had been summoned by the federal agency on a day when he had a programme to attend in Chhattisgarh. Stating that security has been raised outside the ED's office, Soren asked if anybody was scared of the locals or 'Jhakhandis'.
The 47-year-old leader, who skipped the summons, was asked to appear before the probe agency at its regional office in the Hinoo area of Ranchi at 11am during the day. He later sought three weeks time to appear before the ED, a senior ED official said.
“I've been summoned by the ED today when I already have a program in Chhattisgarh today. If I've committed a crime that big, come & arrest me. Why the questioning?... Security near ED office has increased. Why, are you scared of Jharkhandis?” the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) boss said at a gathering.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
He further said the eastern state will only by ruled by Jharkhandis and not outsiders, adding the BJP will be wiped in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
He further said the eastern state will only by ruled by Jharkhandis and not outsiders, adding the BJP will be wiped in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
{{/usCountry}}
“We have identified a few external gangs in the state who are not letting the state's Adivasis stand on their feet. This state will have the rule of Jharkhandis and not external forces... BJP will be wiped off in the upcoming Lok Sabha & Assembly polls,” he added.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
