JMM to Launch Statewide Awareness Campaign Against MMDR Bill from August 31

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced a statewide campaign against the MMDR Bill, with the party set to begin a public awareness drive across all 24 districts of Jharkhand from August 31.

The campaign follows a decision taken by the party's central committee. JMM workers will reach out to people at the booth level and explain what the party claims could be the financial and economic impact of the proposed legislation on Jharkhand and its people.

JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey has issued letters to district and metropolitan-level office-bearers, directing them to ensure that the campaign is organised effectively and reaches the grassroots.

As part of the campaign, the party will also highlight what it describes as the Centre's outstanding dues to Jharkhand. Party leaders have been asked to inform people about the issue and explain its alleged financial implications for the state.

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The JMM will follow the awareness campaign with a one-day sit-in protest at all block headquarters across Jharkhand on September 7. District and metropolitan units have been instructed to prepare detailed strategies for the protests and complete preparations at the earliest.

Pandey directed party functionaries to ensure that both programmes are implemented effectively at the ground level. He said details of further programmes would be communicated through separate organisational orders.

The decision comes after the JMM's extended working committee meeting held on August 20 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister and party central president Hemant Soren. At the meeting, the party had decided to oppose the MMDR Bill at every level, from the booth to Parliament.

The campaign is expected to turn the MMDR Bill into a major political issue in Jharkhand, with the JMM seeking to mobilise public opinion around the state's mineral resources, revenue interests and its financial claims against the Centre.