Massive mandate to JMM-led alliance shows it resides in people's hearts: Jharkhand Governor

Ranchi: The massive mandate to the ruling JMM-led alliance in last year's assembly elections in Jharkhand reflects it resides in people's hearts, Governor Santosh Gangwar said in the House on Monday, drawing protests from the opposition BJP.

The JMM-led alliance returned to power in the state in the assembly elections held in November last year, trouncing the BJP despite its high-pitched campaign.

"Record polling in elections shows not only people's faith in democracy but also reflects their unbreakable faith in work and policies of the government," Gangwar said in his address to the assembly during the budget session.

The governor said elections are the biggest festival of democracy, and free and fair polls and an overwhelming mandate to the ruling alliance will be a driving force for the government to work with commitment for welfare of masses.

Gangwar said that the government believes in empowerment of all, including youth, women and the marginalised.

He listed various welfare schemes of the government including Maiyan Samman Yojna and Abua Awas, among others.

Terming corruption as a major problem in the state, he said that the government was committed to eradicating it, and arrested 56 Lok Sevaks (public servants) for their alleged involvement in it.

He said 248 Naxalites were arrested while 24 were forced to surrender and nine were gunned down in 2024.

The opposition BJP raised slogans, alleging there was no truth in the governor's speech.

To this, Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato said obstruction is not the tradition of the assembly.

After a resounding victory of the JMM-led alliance in the state in November 2024, the Jharkhand Assembly had held a four-day session in December.

Rabindra Nath Mahato was elected as Speaker of the assembly during the first session while 81 members had taken oath.