Echoes of Delhi’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ row are reverberating in Jharkhand, where BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev has leveled explosive allegations against CM Hemant Soren. In a fiery press briefing Friday, Shahdev claimed Soren is overseeing the demolition of a historic CM residence building to erect a Rs 100 crore luxury palace, mirroring Kejriwal’s controversial project.
Dissecting the finances, Shahdev noted the main construction at Rs 47 crore, plus fountains (Rs 2 crore), gardening (Rs 2.63 crore), and inevitable cost overruns that could hit Rs 100 crore. ‘Approved quietly in the last cabinet meet, this was hidden from public scrutiny,’ he said, slamming the opacity.
The critique cut deep into Soren’s public image. ‘He claims to lead a government for the poor, tribals, and locals, but acts like royalty,’ Shahdev quipped, invoking Kejriwal’s ‘aam aadmi’ facade. In a state where tribals fight daily for survival basics, such profligacy is indefensible, he argued.
Shahdev spotlighted the absurdity: a new CM House and Raj Bhavan are slated for Smart City. ‘Why this needless splurge now?’ BJP plans doorstep awareness drives to rally public sentiment against what they term fiscal irresponsibility.
The controversy underscores deepening political divides in Jharkhand. Soren’s defenders may cry foul on selective outrage, but unanswered questions risk eroding trust. As BJP amplifies its attack, Ranchi’s power corridors buzz with anticipation of rebuttals and counter-charges.