Political Use of Serious Terms Like ‘Naxal’ Insults the People of Jharkhand: Vinod Kumar Pandey
Ranchi, August 26, 2026: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Central General Secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey strongly hit back at former Chief Ministers Babulal Marandi and Raghubar Das and the BJP, saying that the political use of serious terms like “Naxal” to target a democratically elected government and its Chief Minister reflects the BJP’s frustration.
Pandey said that the tribal, indigenous and people of Jharkhand are raising their demands for rights over land, forests, water, minerals and employment through democratic means. Describing such voices as Naxalism is an insult to the people of Jharkhand, he said.
On the issue of mineral resources, Pandey said BJP leaders should understand the pain of villages affected by mining before citing figures. He said several communities have faced displacement, loss of land and destruction of forests due to mining projects.
Reacting to former Chief Minister Raghubar Das’s statement regarding the MMDR Amendment Act, Pandey said that discussions around Rs 11,000 crore and tax percentages were being used to divert attention from the core issue. He questioned why mining-affected villages still face shortages of drinking water, healthcare, education, roads and employment if mineral resources are benefiting the state.
Pandey said JMM is not opposed to mining or industrial development. However, the party wants respect for land, protection of forests, safeguarding of tribal rights, employment opportunities for local youth and priority for Jharkhand’s interests in the state’s mineral resources.
He said political disagreement should not be linked with serious terms like Naxalism. Pandey urged the BJP to stop labelling the voices of Jharkhand’s people as Naxalism and instead understand their concerns and aspirations.
