GG News Bureau
Ranchi, 9th Feb. Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan addressed allegations on Thursday regarding the involvement of Raj Bhavan in the arrest of former Chief Minister Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land fraud.
Refuting the accusations, Radhakrishnan stated, “There is no question of misuse of Raj Bhavan. Every democratic norm has been very strictly followed by us.” He emphasized that Soren himself had acknowledged in a letter that he resigned before being taken into ED custody.
Radhakrishnan clarified that he had no knowledge of the ED officials involved in Soren’s arrest, stating, “I never know who the ED people are. I don’t know their names or faces.” He recounted the sequence of events leading to Soren’s resignation, indicating that it was upon the ED’s request that Soren resigned, as conveyed through the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The Governor elucidated, “It was the ED’s phone to our principal secretary saying we have taken custody of your Chief Minister and he is requesting us to complete his constitutional obligations of resigning.” He further clarified that the decision for Soren’s resignation came from the CMO, not Raj Bhavan.
Regarding the delay in inviting Champai Soren to form the government, Radhakrishnan explained it was due to legal advice sought in an extraordinary situation. He refuted comparisons with Bihar, emphasizing that the circumstances were different.
Addressing disruptions during his Assembly address preceding the confidence motion, Radhakrishnan described it as an unprecedented situation. He expressed dismay over the disruption of proceedings, stating, “This has not happened in any democracy anywhere in the world.”
The Governor’s statements come amidst political turmoil in Jharkhand, with the JMM-led coalition government winning the confidence vote in the Assembly. The ruling alliance claimed victory, portraying it as a setback to the BJP’s attempts to destabilize the democratically elected government.
Radhakrishnan reaffirmed his commitment to upholding his duties, stating, “I will never compromise with my duty even if I lose my life.” The developments underscore the ongoing tension between political factions in the state.
