Granting stone mining contract to himself: Jharkhand CM Soren disqualified from MLA post?

IN A major setback for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM)-led Jharkhand regime, the Election Commission (EC) on Thursday recommended the disqualification of Chief Minister Hemant Soren as MLA. The EC sent its opinion to the Governor earlier on Thursday.

Election Commission(EC) recommendation comes under Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, which prohibits elected representatives from entering into any contract with the government for “supply of goods” or “execution of any works undertaken” by it.

As per sources, EC found Soren guilty of misusing his position to allot himself a stone mining lease. The Chief Minister also heads the state’s mining department.

After, EC recommendations, the ruling JMM put up a strong statement, saying that the outcome, even if adverse, would not affect the state government.

The Governor, who had referred a complaint from the BJP against Soren, is yet to officially communicate his order on the issue.