Jharkhand News: Dispute Between Congress and JMM Over Department Allocation, Hemant Soren Upset with Irfan Ansari, Reshuffle Likely

Ranchi: Tensions Escalate in the Hemant Soren Cabinet Over Portfolio Distribution

Ranchi, December 06, 2024: The allocation of portfolios among Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) ministers has led to mounting tensions within the Hemant Soren-led coalition government in Jharkhand. The controversy centers around Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s reported displeasure with Congress MLA Irfan Ansari being assigned the Rural Development Department, potentially leading to a cabinet reshuffle.

Congress Portfolio Announcement Sparks Rift

After the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, Congress released an official letter specifying the portfolios for its four ministers. According to the letter, Dipika Pandey Singh was allocated the Health Department, Irfan Ansari the Rural Development Department, Shilpi Neha Tirkey the Agriculture Department and Radhakrishna Kishore the Finance and Food Supplies portfolios.

However, insiders reveal that Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed discontent with the allocation of the Rural Development Department to Irfan Ansari. Hemant Soren reportedly views Irfan Ansari’s recent controversial statements against JMM members as unbecoming and believes that Ansari’s reputation might tarnish the department’s credibility.

Potential Changes in Department Allocation

Sources close to the administration indicate that Dipika Pandey Singh might receive the Rural Development Department instead of the Health Department. Other major changes in portfolio distribution are also being considered. Congress leadership is reportedly working to address the friction swiftly, ensuring smooth governance and maintaining coalition harmony.

Cabinet Meeting to Finalize Portfolios

A notification issued by the Jharkhand government confirmed a cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday. It is expected that the final decision on portfolio allocation will be made during this meeting. Regardless of the ongoing disagreements, the distribution of departments must be completed by the end of the day to prevent administrative delays.

JMM Questions Congress Over Leaked Letter

Adding fuel to the fire, the JMM has raised concerns over how Congress’s portfolio allocation letter was leaked to the media. The letter, intended for internal communication, went viral on social media shortly after its release, raising questions about internal security within the Congress party. JMM leaders have demanded an explanation, further straining relations between the coalition partners.

Implications for Coalition Stability

The dispute over portfolio allocation highlights deeper tensions within the JMM-Congress alliance. While the coalition remains functional on the surface, disagreements over power-sharing and individual ministerial responsibilities indicate potential challenges in the administration’s functioning.

As the day progresses, all eyes are on the cabinet meeting and whether a consensus can be reached without further damaging coalition dynamics.