Ranchi, July 15: Opposition parties in Jharkhand today denounced Chief Minister Arjun Munda's reported statement that he would consider withdrawing cases lodged against those people of Jharkhand involved in 'shila poojan' of Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya after proper review. The CPI(M) general secretary, J S Majumdar, said it was ridiculous to note the chief minister's announcement as it did not fall in his jurisdiction.

"If at all it is in his purview, we condemn such move as it will only glorify and justify criminal offences," Majumdar added.
The leader of the opposition in Jharkhand Assembly, Stephen Marandi of JMM, alleged that the chief minister has been engaged in "appeasement politics".

"Withdrawing cases against Jharkhand movement agitationists has antagonised the Sangh pariwar, therefore, Munda is trying to please it through such announcements," he said. The announcement by Munda came during the inauguration ceremony of the month-long Shravani Mela in Deoghar on Sunday. The Chief Minister had earlier withdrawn cases against several people who were involved during the Jharkhand movement.

Criticising the announcement, the CPI(ML-Liberation) legislator and central committee member, Mahendra Singh, wondered how Jharkhand government had the right to withdraw criminal cases pending in various courts.

Sharing the opinion, the congress also condemned the move. Bureau Report