Allegations of Fund Embezzlement Surface Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly Elections
With pledges to fulfill electoral promises, the political atmosphere in Jharkhand has become increasingly tense. Recently, Hemant Soren's administration announced plans to transfer enhanced monthly assistance to beneficiaries under the Gogo Didi Yojana, but not without controversy. A leader from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party claimed on Saturday evening during a press conference, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had engaged in serious financial misconduct related to this scheme.
Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM's general secretary and spokesperson, leveled allegations stating the BJP had "embezzled" funds raised from women under the Gogo Didi Yojana as the state gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for November 2024. Bhattacharya claims, "BJP members had filled up forms for the Gogo Didi Yojana, promising monthly finance to poor women, and had charged ₹500 from women for each form." According to him, the BJP collected substantial sums of money under false pretenses, exploiting women’s need for financial security.
The JMM spokesperson asserted, “The BJP collected a huge amount of money and used the funds during the Assembly polls. The state government is planning to probe the embezzlement of funds and the culprits will not be spared for cheating poor women.” Bhattacharya also urged the BJP to acknowledge the plight of women and fulfill their promises instead of exploiting their trust.
During the Assembly campaign, the BJP had promised the implementation of the Gogo Didi Yojana, which would offer ₹2,100 monthly to women if elected to power. This promise, now crumbling under accusations of fraud, has become a focal point for political parties amid changing dynamics.
The BJP had called upon women to fill out forms for the scheme, which has sparked considerable outrage. Bhattacharya urged the BJP leaders to push the central government to introduce the scheme on a national scale, instead of exploiting it for electoral gains.
While tensions rise, the Jharkhand public relations department reported preparations are underway for the Maiya Samman Yojana event scheduled on January 6th, which aims to honor commitments made to the women of Jharkhand. This event could be pivotal as it might serve as the backdrop for continuing developments surrounding the Gogo Didi Yojana and its fulfillment.
What's at stake is not merely the political futures of the parties involved, but the trust of the women of Jharkhand who rely on these promises for their livelihoods. The accusations of embezzlement could have widespread consequences, shaping the electoral strategy for the upcoming elections.
This political maneuvering is expected to continue as various parties try to secure their support bases. With the JMM’s allegations gaining traction, the BJP is likely to face increasing scrutiny—not just over their past actions but also over their commitment to genuinely assist the women they promised to help.