Extremism can’t be tackled through coercion

All set to become Jharkh-and’s chief minister for the third time, JMM chief Shibu Soren spoke to Hindustan Times on his plans and priorities.

All set to become Jharkh-and’s chief minister for the third time, JMM chief Shibu Soren spoke to Hindustan Times on his plans and priorities.

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How does it feel to become chief minister for the third time in five years?
It is a pleasure, but it is also a great responsibility..

Will you be able to work freely given the likely pressures of your coalition partners, the BJP and the All Jharkhand Students Union?
There will be free debate on issues concerning the people with coalition partners. I have to take decisions in consultation with them.

What will be your priorities?
Jharkhand remains an undeveloped state even after nine years of its existence. We will set things right this time.

How do you plan to start?
The focus of my government will be on education and irrigation facilities. People will get work in villages if we can provide irrigation.

You had been opposing the investment proposals of the NDA government. What will you do now?
We did oppose the MoUs signed but our opposition was limited to those investment proposals that ignored the people’s interests, or led to their displacement. The government will review the MoUs of the past...