A myriad of challenges await Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) leader Arjun Munda, all set to be sworn in as Jharkhand chief minister (CM) tomorrow. These include problems related to development, the ever-growing threat of Naxalism, and the shadow of corruption within the administration among many others.
“The biggest challenge before us is to provide stability to the coalition, and if we can do that, 50 per cent of issues confronting the state will be resolved automatically”, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) leader Sudesh Mahto, tipped as frontrunner for the post of deputy chief minister, said.
The state has been drought ridden for two consecutive years, causing a trend of mass migration from Jharkhand, which the new government, will need to tackle if it has to have any hopes of a successful report-card.
"The drought situation in the state is worse and has forced people to migrate in search of jobs. We have to address the problem by creating jobs”, Mahto told PTI.
Panchayat elections have been pending for a long time, making this another burning issue, said Mahto. Jharkhand is the only state where rural polls, last held over three decades ago when the state was part of Bihar, have not yet been taken up after its creation in 2000.
The greatest test of the government, however, would probably be its ability to deal with Naxals, a burgeoning problem, across the state, dominated primarily by tribal inhabitants, promoting Mahto to reiterate the need for the new government to keep law and order in check.
For instance, a police officer was killed and two policemen were injured in a fierce encounter with Naxals in the jungles of Jama block in the Dumka district.
The state is also grappling with an absence of investors, hindering development. Mahto said, "We have to create a atmosphere conducive for investment while keeping the interests of the people in mind."
