Lagatardesk
Ranchi: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has raised sharp questions over Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s ongoing foreign visit to Sweden and Spain, accompanied by his MLA wife Kalpana Soren and a large government delegation.
Law and order collapsing, power crisis deepening:
Marandi pointed out that while the state reels under poor law and order, daylight murders, and a worsening electricity crisis, the CM is off on an overseas tour. “Is this the right time for such a trip?” he questioned on social media.
Why is Industry Minister excluded?
Babulal Marandi questioned the absence of the Industry Minister from the delegation, despite the trip being pitched as an investment outreach. He noted that while the Secretary and Director of the Industries Department are part of the team, the minister has been left out deliberately.
“If the purpose is to attract foreign investment, why is the Industry Minister not considered relevant?” he asked.
Kalpana Soren’s role under scrutiny:
Marandi also alleged that during a key investment meet in Kolkata, the Industry Minister was insulted and barred from attending last minute, with Kalpana Soren accompanying the CM instead.
“If this is an official trip, in what capacity is Kalpana Soren attending in place of the minister?” he demanded. “And if it is a private trip, then why are public funds and an army of officials being used?” he asked.
Retired IFS officer’s inclusion sparks concern:
He also questioned the inclusion of a retired IFS officer in the delegation, whose controversial past, he claims, is well-known in the state.
“All power in Kalpana Soren’s hands,” alleges Marandi
Marandi concluded by alleging that in the current government setup, “all decision-making powers across departments have been unofficially handed over to the CM’s wife Kalpana Soren,” accusing the administration of sidelining ministers and turning governance into a family-run affair.
