JMM serves showcause notice to Durga Soren

RANCHI: Taking a tough stand against Durga Soren, the JMM on Monday served him a showcause for filing his nomination from Godda, going against the party line. Durga Soren, son of JMM supremo Shibu Soren, had put the party in great embarassment when he filed his nomination from Godda, a seat which was earmarked for the Congress as part of the seat sharing understanding.

Champai Soren, who is JMM���s legislative party leader in the Jharkhand assembly, said: "Durga Soren has been served the showcause for his act of indiscipline. The Congress and JMM had decided to contest the elections together with a view to taking on the communal forces. And as part of this deal, JMM had given the seat to Congress," said Soren.

Durga Soren has been given five days for replying to the showcause. If the party leadership is not satisfied with his reply, he may be expelled from the party, he said. Durga, who had file his nomination papers at the last moment, has been saying that he wanted to teach a lesson to the UPA, especially the Congress, which was responsible for defeat of his father in the Tamar byelection for the state assembly. Shibu Soren was the chief minister at that time.

The Congress, which has been crying foul over Durga���s move, has welcomed JMM���s decision. Party spokesperson Ravindra Singh said: "It was a delayed, but good decision which will strengthen secular forces. We had already registered our strong protest with JMM chief Shibu Soren."

He said: "We have already spoken to Guruji (Shibu Soren) regarding the Godda issue. He has assured us that he will campaign for our candidate Furqan Ansari, once he is discharged from the hospital." Mr Soren is recuperating at AIIMS following his prolonged illness.

Godda is witnessing a multi-cornered contest. While Congress has fielded sitting MP Furqan Ansari, the BJP has given a ticket to Nishikant Dubey. Babulal Marandi���s Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) has fielded Godda MLA Pradeep Yadav for the seat. Famous Bollywood film-maker Iqbal Durrani is also trying his luck from there.