Jharkhand : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday accused the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government of misleading people with “false promises” on investment, employment, and industrial development, and demanded a white paper on the outcomes of the Chief Minister’s previous overseas investment tour.
Addressing a press conference, BJP state spokesperson Sandeep Verma alleged that the government had repeatedly made promises that failed to translate into tangible results. He said the state government should present a detailed account of investments attracted, industries established, and jobs created during its tenure.
“People were promised employment, but lakhs of youth are still searching for jobs. The government is now showcasing new investment initiatives, but the ground reality is very different,” Verma said.
BJP Questions Delhi Investment Meet
Verma also questioned the absence of Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore from a stakeholders’ meeting on investment held in Delhi, despite his presence in the national capital. He claimed the absence raised questions about the seriousness of the government’s investment drive and alleged that the event was merely a “showpiece exercise.”
Demand for White Paper on Foreign Tour
The BJP spokesperson demanded that the state government release a white paper on the Chief Minister’s investment-focused visit to Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom last year.
He asked the government to disclose:
- The total public expenditure incurred on the foreign tour.
- The amount of actual investment received by Jharkhand.
- The number of projects that have been implemented on the ground.
- The employment generated through those investments.
Questions on Industrial Development
Verma challenged the government to specify how many major industries had been established in Jharkhand during the last seven years and how many permanent jobs had been created.
He alleged that the government had failed to attract even a single major industrial project capable of generating significant employment.
AI, IT and Startup Ecosystem
Referring to the government’s emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT), and digital governance, Verma asked how many IT parks, startup hubs, technology centres, or innovation centres had been set up in the state to create opportunities for young professionals.
He further alleged that despite announcements supporting startups, entrepreneurs had not received adequate institutional assistance, while the Centre continued to promote innovation through various schemes.
Tourism and Infrastructure
The BJP also criticised the government’s handling of tourism infrastructure, saying Jharkhand’s major tourist destinations continued to face deficiencies in roads, drinking water, sanitation, accommodation, security, and promotion.
Verma urged the government to explain what concrete measures had been taken to improve tourist facilities and ensure visitor safety.
Law and Order Concerns
Highlighting issues of law and order, Verma alleged that rising incidents of extortion, crime, illegal mining, and corruption were discouraging investors from coming to Jharkhand.
He also questioned the effectiveness of the state’s single-window clearance system, claiming industries continued to face procedural delays despite the government’s repeated assurances of ease of doing business.
BJP Seeks Accountability
Concluding the press conference, Verma said the people of Jharkhand were now looking for measurable outcomes rather than announcements.
He said the BJP would continue to demand transparency and accountability from the state government on issues related to investment, industrial development, employment, and governance.
State BJP co-media in-charges Tariq Imran and Neeraj Singh were also present during the press conference.
