Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari: Centre's Fund Withholding Forces RBI Loan
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Jharkhand's Health Minister Irfan Ansari claimed the Central Government is withholding vital funds, forcing the state to borrow Rs 1,500 crore from the RBI for development. He emphasized the state's commitment to progress while criticizing the BJP for divisive politics and the spread of misinformation regarding the Muslim community.
Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand seeks Rs 1,500 crore loan from RBI.
- Central Government accused of withholding funds.
- Ansari claims Rs 1,36,000 crore is owed to Jharkhand.
- BJP criticized for divisive politics.
- Concerns raised over discrimination against Muslims.
Ranchi, March 19 (NationPress) Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Wednesday accused the Central Government of withholding the state’s rightful share of funds, compelling it to resort to loans for developmental initiatives.
Speaking to the media at the Jharkhand Assembly, Ansari stated: "Due to the Centre halting grants for various schemes, our administration has requested a loan of Rs 1,500 crore from the Reserve Bank of India. In spite of these financial hurdles, the Hemant Soren-led government is dedicated to the development of the state."
Ansari claimed that the Centre owes Jharkhand a staggering Rs 1,36,000 crore. "Had the Central government settled Jharkhand’s dues, we wouldn’t have been compelled to borrow. Our Chief Minister consistently fights for the state’s rightful share, particularly for the benefit of tribals and other marginalized groups. Numerous letters have been dispatched to the Centre, yet the funds remain unreleased," he added.
The Minister expressed optimism that Jharkhand would attain financial independence within the next five years. "We are dedicated to creating a Jharkhand where everyone is treated with dignity and respect," he affirmed.
Accusing the BJP of engaging in divisive tactics, Ansari asserted that the opposition's main agenda is to incite communal discord. "Their sole objective is to divide Hindus and Muslims for political advantages," he commented.
He also reacted sharply to the recent proposal by Babulal Marandi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. "Marandi ji is personally a secular individual, yet he is forced to adhere to the script provided by the BJP," Ansari alleged.
Challenging Marandi's assertions of illegal immigration, Ansari proclaimed: "If he can demonstrate the presence of even one Bangladeshi in Jharkhand, I will resign."
The minister further accused the BJP of tarnishing the reputation of the Muslim community by disseminating false information regarding Bangladeshi infiltration. "BJP leaders have tarnished the image of Muslims in Jharkhand with unfounded allegations. Our children are facing discrimination in schools, labeled as Bangladeshis. This situation is both unfortunate and unacceptable," he stated.
