CM Hemant Soren’s wife and Gandey MLA Kalpana Soren tells Mukesh Ranjan that the ‘Maiyan Samman Yojana’ launched by the JMM-led government is going to change the scenario in Jharkhand and pave way for the ‘mahagathbandhan’ government once again in Jharkhand. Excerpts:
How confident are you of JMM’s victory?
We are working on the JMM government’s flagship schemes such as old pension, Abua Awas Yojana, Sabitri Bai Phule Yojana, Birsa Harit Gram Yojana and Foreign Scholarship Scheme. People have tremendous faith on Hemant Soren ji. Therefore, all ‘gathbandhan’ candidates, leaders and workers are very confident that we, under the leadership of Hemant Soren ji, will again get the blessings of the people.
If JMM wins, will you become chief minister and your husband will focus more on national politics?
Being a soldier of the JMM, I will do my best for the party and the state. The party has already given me a lot of duties and responsibilities. Right now, I am just a candidate from Gandey, alongwith a star campaigner of JMM and INDIA bloc. I am just performing the duties given to me.
What are the issues that the JMM will highlight during campaigning?
Basically, we will be highlighting the issues what we have announced in the Vidhan Sabha, like 27% OBC reservation, implementation of ‘Sarna Religion Code’ and formulation of recruitment policy. Besides, we will also highlight some of our flagship programmes like Maiyan Samman Yojana, 200 units of free electricity and loan waiver for farmers up to `2 lakh. I believe that the welfare schemes for the women, poor and farmers will give us an edge over NDA.
Do you think the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ help JMM to win votes of the masses?
Hemant Soren ji has taken a revolutionary initiative towards the empowerment of women. I think this is the most inspiring step for half of the population like our sisters, mothers and daughters.
Have you observed any change in Hemant Soren ji after his release from jail?
He has become much more focused, more resilient, patient and has been taking decisions very calmly.