Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Somesh Soren on Monday alleged that Champai deliberately withheld the lease renewal files of three Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) mines during his six-month tenure. Speaking at a JMM Zone-2 booth committee meeting in Surda Crossing, Somesh claimed that the mines, Surda, Kendadih, and Rakha-Siddheshwar had been revived only after Chief Minister Hemant Soren approved a 20-year lease extension.
Also Read: Hindustan Copper and Jharkhand Government Signed 20-Year Lease for Rakha Copper Mine
Somesh told party workers that the renewal of these leases was vital for Jharkhand’s mining economy and employment. “After the lease was extended by Hemant Soren, Surda Mine reopened, giving direct jobs to nearly 1,200 workers. The remaining mines are now close to reopening,” he said. Somesh alleged that during Champai’s tenure, both the HCL management and the miners’ union repeatedly approached him for action but were ignored. He added that the delay had pushed local workers into uncertainty and financial hardship.
Also Read: Khetan Mining Won Kendadih Mines Contract, HCL to Resume Copper Production After Two Years
Political Undercurrents Ahead of Ghatsila Contest
Linking the controversy to upcoming electoral politics, Somesh said that if Champai’s family or his elder brother receives a BJP ticket, the development of the Ghatsila Assembly constituency would suffer. “You can imagine the fate of this region if that happens,” he remarked. The meeting, organized to mobilise support for JMM’s prospective candidate, was attended by Zila Parishad President Bari Murmu, Block President Pradhan Soren, and several senior leaders including Jagdish Bhakat, Maheshwar Hansda, and Lobin Sabar. The gathering ended with a collective call to strengthen the party at the booth level ahead of the polls.
Also Read: Surda Panchayat Struggled for Basic Amenities Decades After Copper Mine Closure
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