Garhwa: BJP MLA Satyendra Nath Tiwari has reiterated his stand on his earlier remarks, accusing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) of selectively editing his statement and attempting to mislead tribal communities for political gains. Launching a fresh attack on the ruling party, Tiwari asserted that political controversies were being used to divert public attention from fundamental issues concerning tribal land rights, employment, food security and alleged corruption. He maintained that those claiming to represent the interests of tribal communities must first address serious allegations concerning the land rights of Adivasis, Dalits and other backward sections of society.
Referring to alleged land-related irregularities in Singa Kala, Bardari, Shivanala, Bandua, Kusmahi, Kurumdari and Sohbaria, among other villages, the MLA sought answers from former minister Mithilesh Kumar Thakur. He demanded an impartial investigation into allegations of illegal encroachment and the purported transfer or exploitation of land belonging to vulnerable communities, insisting that the actual facts should be established through a transparent inquiry. Tiwari argued that protecting the land rights of tribal communities should be a matter of priority and that allegations of unlawful occupation must be examined without political interference. The allegations, however, require independent verification, and responsibility can be established only through a fair investigation.
The legislator also questioned the state government’s handling of recruitment examinations and employment opportunities, alleging that the interests of Jharkhand’s youth had been compromised. He raised concerns over the participation of candidates from outside the state in government recruitment and sought clarity on the policies governing eligibility and employment opportunities for local candidates. Referring to the cancellation of an examination following a BJP-led agitation, Tiwari said the development raised questions about the government’s administrative preparedness and handling of the recruitment process. He maintained that young aspirants deserved a transparent, reliable and accountable recruitment system that protected their legitimate interests.
Tiwari further expressed concern over the reported exclusion of Magahi, Bhojpuri and Angika from the relevant lists governing local-language requirements and employment eligibility. He argued that such changes could adversely affect candidates from the Palamu division, where these languages are widely spoken, potentially restricting employment opportunities for young men and women. He called for the issue to be examined in the context of regional linguistic realities and the aspirations of local youth.
On financial accountability, the MLA demanded investigations into alleged illegal trading in sand, coal and stone, along with purported irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. He cited an alleged financial irregularity of approximately ₹5,200 crore under the mission and called for a high-level inquiry to establish the facts and identify those responsible, if wrongdoing is substantiated. The figure and allegations cited by him have not been independently verified for this report. He argued that alleged irregularities in public schemes and the exploitation of mineral resources warranted close scrutiny to safeguard public funds, government revenue and the rule of law.
He also highlighted reported difficulties faced by poor households in accessing ration supplies, asserting that the effective delivery of essential food entitlements must remain a priority for the state government. He maintained that the concerns of economically weaker sections should not be overshadowed by political confrontations and that administrative accountability must be reflected in the delivery of welfare benefits. According to Tiwari, the government should respond to grievances concerning ration distribution and other essential services with concrete measures rather than political rhetoric.
Taking aim at the JMM’s political activities, Tiwari alleged that programmes such as effigy-burning demonstrations and proposed house gheraos organised by supporters of former minister Mithilesh Kumar Thakur were intended to divert attention from substantive public issues. He claimed that the people of Garhwa were familiar with the political conduct of JMM leaders and would not be misled by such demonstrations. He also launched a personal attack on JMM Yuva Morcha president Sanjay Chhotu and former minister Thakur, making claims concerning their legal histories and alleged corruption-related matters. These assertions could not be independently verified for this report and should not be treated as established facts.
Defending his earlier remarks concerning the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation), or MMDR, Bill, Tiwari said his statement was being selectively presented and given a political interpretation without due consideration of its original context. He accused the JMM of attempting to turn the issue into a controversy for partisan advantage and maintained that his comments should be assessed in their entirety rather than through selectively quoted excerpts. Reaffirming his position, he said the controversy should not be allowed to overshadow broader questions of governance and public accountability.
Concluding his remarks, MLA Tiwari asserted that the people of Jharkhand deserved clear and credible answers on issues affecting their land, employment, education, food security and the utilisation of public funds. He maintained that political accusations and counter-accusations could not substitute for transparent governance, impartial investigations and corrective action wherever violations were established. Tiwari called upon the state government to address these concerns directly, arguing that the protection of vulnerable communities, the creation of fair employment opportunities and accountability in public expenditure must remain central to the state’s development agenda.