Jharkhand Politics Heats Up Ahead of Republic Day Over CM's Foreign Visit

Jharkhand's political landscape has become volatile ahead of Republic Day, with Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accusing Chief Minister Hemant Soren of disrespecting the national festival and the constitution. Marandi alleged that Soren will not hoist the national flag on January 26 as he will be on a foreign tour. Marandi demanded transparency regarding the expenditure of the Chief Minister's European visit. Addressing a press conference, Marandi stated that the Chief Minister and top state officials being abroad during a national event like Republic Day, engaging in leisure activities in London, is unacceptable. He questioned the prolonged stay of the Chief Minister and accompanying officials in London even after the Davos trip concluded, while other state CMs had returned. Marandi further alleged that the Chief Minister is spending illicitly gained money from sand, stone, and coal 'looting' abroad. He called for the state government to publicly disclose the detailed itinerary and expenses of the entire European tour for public knowledge.