BJP criticizes Jharkhand government over health funding irregularities

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand on Wednesday. This was in response to a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that highlighted issues in the health department's handling of funds. During a press conference, BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha pointed out that the report, presented on February 27, revealed discrepancies. He said there was no accounting for ₹19,125.88 crore, and over 5,200 utilization certificates were missing. Sinha claimed that the Congress party has kept control of the Health Ministry and mentioned several problems, such as a shortage of medicines and unfilled positions. Sinha also accused the state government of reducing the scope of the Ayushman Bharat health program. In addition, he referred to recent violence during Holi celebrations in Giridih district, linking it to the presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the region. He expressed concerns about rising terrorist activities and suggested that these immigrants were involved in starting terror cells in Santhal Pargana. He further claimed that demographic changes could be happening in Jharkhand and mentioned an order from the High Court to form a panel to investigate these changes. Sinha argued that the state government’s lack of cooperation has delayed this panel's formation. He questioned if Soren intended to change the state’s identity, referencing historical figures like Birsa Munda and Aurangzeb.