Jharkhand CM Hemanth Soren to Meet PM Modi Over Withheld Funds, Highlights Exploitation of Tribal Workers

Dhanbad, Jharkhand: On the 54th Foundation Day of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in Dhanbad on February 4, Chief Minister Hemanth Soren accused the central government of withholding Jharkhand’s rightful financial share. Addressing a public gathering at the Golf Ground, Soren said the state has been treated unfairly by the Centre for years.

Demand for State’s Due Share

Soren warned that just as the state achieved its separate status through struggle, the pending financial dues of Jharkhand would also be pursued vigorously. He asserted that if Jharkhand had received its rightful funds, the state would have outpaced Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh in development.

Highlighting Exploitation of Tribal Workers

The CM also raised the issue of exploitation of tribal workers employed in tea gardens across the country. “The tea industry was built on the blood and sweat of tribal laborers from Jharkhand, yet the same community continues to face neglect and exploitation,” Soren said.

A Historical Struggle

Soren recalled that around 150 years ago, tribals from Jharkhand were forcibly taken to tea plantations in Siliguri, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana, and other states, often under gunpoint, to work as laborers. “Even today, they are fighting for survival, but their grievances remain unheard,” he added.

Meeting with the Prime Minister

Calling the situation both serious and shameful, CM Soren announced that he would soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demand dignified living conditions and better work environments for tribal workers in tea gardens.

Appeal for Unity and Political Strength

The CM emphasized that the tribal community has played a decisive role not only in the tea industry but also in the development of several states, including Gujarat, yet their constitutional rights remain unmet. Referring to the ongoing local body elections, Soren urged the tribal community to unite and demonstrate their political strength.

JMM’s Roots in Dhanbad

Soren highlighted that the JMM was founded on the night of February 4, 1973, in Dhanbad. “That is why the Golf Ground holds symbolic significance in the history of JMM,” he said, noting that while foundation day celebrations are held on different dates across districts, the Dhanbad event reflects the party’s roots.