Treasury row, salary delays spark political clash in Jharkhand

Allegations of illegal treasury withdrawals and delayed salary payments have triggered a political confrontation in Jharkhand, with the Opposition BJP targeting the Hemant Soren government and the ruling alliance pushing back.

Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has sought a CBI or judicial probe into alleged irregular withdrawals from the state treasury, claiming the issue reflects a wider pattern of financial irregularities across districts.

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The BJP has also flagged delays in salary payments to government employees. Party spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo alleged that payments have not been made even by the second week of the financial year, raising questions over the state’s fiscal management and expenditure priorities.

Countering the charges, the Congress termed the allegations politically motivated and said Jharkhand has performed strongly on financial indicators. Party leaders accused the BJP of attempting to create confusion over the state’s fiscal position.

The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) also rejected the Opposition’s claims. General secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey said the alleged treasury irregularities date back to previous regimes and that the present government has ordered a fair and thorough probe.

On salary delays, Pandey said the issue was due to procedural and technical factors at the start of the financial year and would be resolved soon.

The state government has maintained that inquiries into the alleged irregularities are underway and assured action against those found responsible.