Jharkhand Waives Rs 3,584 Crore in Electricity Dues

The Jharkhand government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has announced the waiver of Rs 3,584 crore in power dues for around 39.44 lakh consumers under the Mukhyamantri Urja Khushali Yojana. This decision aims to relieve financial burdens on domestic consumers and includes additional measures such as ex gratia payments and government jobs for the families of Agniveer soldiers from Jharkhand who die during duty. Meanwhile, political turmoil ensues as former Chief Minister Champai Soren resigns from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and announces plans to join the BJP, citing concerns over tribal identity and alleged surveillance by the Jharkhand government. This development has been criticized as a sign of the Soren family's nepotism and consolidation of power within the JMM. Hemant Soren dismissed comments on Champai Soren's departure but emphasized the government's commitment to development and empowerment of women.