Jharkhand Governor's ad blitz irks BJP

Agencies

Ranchi: A number of advertisements in TV channels here highlighting the Jharkhand Governor's "good work" since the State came under President's rule on January 19 has irked BJP.

The channels have been showing ads that said Governor Syed Sibte Razi has done "remarkable work" since President's rule was imposed.

"Corrupt officers have been shunted out. Jharkhand is on path on progress," the advertisements said.

Former BJP State president Pashupati Nath Singh said: "The Governor is highlighting his achievement through media to ensure benefit to Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"It was Congress party's conspiracy to impose President's rule to govern the State by proxy. The Governor's campaign is also a move to abuse the democratic system," he said.

President's rule was imposed after former Chief Minister Shibu Soren lost a key Assembly bypoll on January 8 and had to resign.

In the last one month, the Governor has transferred bureaucrats, implemented the Sixth Pay Commission report for State government employees and reversed the previous government's decision regarding granting of mining rights in Ghatkuri iron ore mines. He has also directed the State public service commission to fill nearly 30,000 vacant posts.

"Governor is effecting transfer of officials and taking decisions that political bosses like chief minister should do. Razi is not playing an active role but he is in a super active role. Under President's rule, Governor has to play a restricted role," Singh said.