The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha on Saturday flayed Chief Minister Raghubar Das’ statement in Jhinkpani on Friday, where the latter had said that the JMM had made people drink alcohol and made several women of the State widows. The party sought apology from the CM on his remark and asked to present at least one family where a woman has become widow after JMM made her husband drink alcohol and he died.

Addressing media persons here on Saturday JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said that CM’s tour clearly shows how frustrated he is sensing his possible defeat. “In the arrogance of power he gave such a statement at Jhinkpani  on Friday that no one can accept. He said that JMM made tribals drink alcohol and made tribal women widows.

The CM himself had said Guruji was like his father and now he terming him gurughantal (Fraudster). Even a bad son will never say that,” said Bhattacharya. 

“Das should know that during separate Jharkhand movement a huge number of people were against the oppression of tribals. Guruji (Shibu Soren) had protested against moneylenders, alcoholism and oppressors of tribals. It is clear that JMM has contributed a lot in getting separate State of Jharkhand,” he said.

Bhattacharya said that the CM forgot that his Government used to sell liquor and had even launched its brand. “During the present regime several people died due to illicit liquor in Doranda area. Even beside CM’s residence at Hatma people died after consuming liquor. The government pays Rs 8,000 to teachers, but at the same time it was paying Rs 25,000 to those selling alcohol at its shops. The CM should tell whose Cabinet decided to sell liquor at grocery shops across the State,” he added.

The JMM general Secretary demanded a public apology from CM and challenged to show one family where a woman has become widow after JMM made her husband drink alcohol and he died.

“We also want the BJP national president to take action against such people. We alert him that he should not give such statements; he should go to people and tell in which circumstances his cabinet headed by him took the decision to sell liquor at grocery shops.