Fri Jan 09 00:35:25 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Jharkhand BJP Accuses Soren Government of Betraying Tribal Rights with PESA Rules

The Story:
On January 8, 2026, Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Babulal Marandi launched a strong critique of the Hemant Soren government’s implementation of the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act rules. Marandi argued that the notified rules, approved by the state cabinet on December 23, 2025, undermine the traditional practices of the tribal community. He claimed that the omission of “customary laws” from the rules violates the spirit of the original PESA Act of 1996, enacted by the Congress-led central government to protect tribal traditions.

Marandi further stated that the new rules allow individuals who have abandoned traditional beliefs to head Gram Sabhas, contravening the PESA Act. He demanded the Chief Minister revise the rules to align with the Act’s original wording and warned of public agitation if the government fails to comply. Even Congress legislator Rameshwar Oraon expressed similar concerns, vowing to raise the issue with Soren and Rahul Gandhi.

Key Points:

  • Babulal Marandi, Jharkhand BJP President, criticized the Hemant Soren government’s PESA Act rules on January 8, 2026.
  • The Jharkhand government notified the rules on January 2, 2026, after approval on December 23, 2025.
  • Marandi alleges the rules omit “customary laws,” contradicting the PESA Act of 1996.
  • He claims the rules allow those who’ve abandoned tribal traditions to lead Gram Sabhas.
  • Marandi threatened public agitation if the government doesn’t revise the rules.
  • Congress legislator Rameshwar Oraon also voiced concerns about the omission of customary laws.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PESA Act implementation in Jharkhand has become a point of contention between the ruling government and the opposition BJP.
  • The core issue revolves around the interpretation and application of “customary laws” in the context of tribal traditions.
  • Internal dissent within the Congress party, an alliance partner in the state government, highlights the complexity of the issue.
  • The conflict reflects a broader struggle over tribal rights and the preservation of traditional practices in Jharkhand.
  • This issue has the potential to escalate into a significant political battle, potentially involving legal challenges and public protests.

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