ED Raids in Jharkhand Spark Political Controversy

CM and ministers allege BJP orchestrated action ahead of elections

Key Points:

• ED conducts raids at 20+ locations in alleged Jal Jeevan Mission scam

• CM Hemant Soren calls raids typical BJP pre-election tactics

• Minister Mithilesh Thakur claims pressure to join BJP led to raids

RANCHI – The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) raids across Jharkhand have ignited a political firestorm, with state leaders decrying the action as politically motivated.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed little surprise at the raids.

"These are typical BJP tactics before elections," Soren remarked.

Meanwhile, Drinking Water Minister Mithilesh Thakur faced scrutiny in the operation.

Thakur accused the BJP of pressuring him to join their ranks.

"I will break but not bow down," the minister defiantly stated.

The ED targeted around 15 individuals, including Thakur’s personal secretary.

Health Minister Banna Gupta also criticized the raids’ timing.

"Such moves won’t benefit the BJP," Gupta asserted.

The investigation centers on alleged corruption in the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Several documents and electronic devices were reportedly seized.

"ED is probing discrepancies in the scheme’s implementation," a BJP insider commented.

The raids span multiple districts across Jharkhand.

IAS officer Manish Ranjan is among those under investigation.

Earlier this year, the department’s cashier was arrested in connection with the case.

Over Rs 50 lakh was recovered during that arrest.

The ED is working to expand its probe based on multiple FIRs.

Opposition leaders have yet to respond to the ministers’ allegations.

Local residents express mixed reactions to the ongoing investigation.

"We hope this leads to more transparency in government schemes," a BJP source remarked.