In a fresh political showdown in Jharkhand, BJP leaders have unleashed a scathing attack on Chief Minister Hemant Soren, drawing parallels to Delhi’s former CM Arvind Kejriwal. State BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev held a press conference on Friday, alleging that Soren has greenlit a lavish Rs 100 crore ‘Sheesh Mahal’ project for his personal residence, right in the heart of the state capital.
Shahdev painted a stark picture of hypocrisy. ‘On one hand, the CM positions himself as the champion of tribals, locals, and the poor. On the other, he’s demolishing a heritage building at the CM’s residence to construct this opulent palace,’ he charged. The project, reportedly approved in a recent cabinet meeting, includes a main structure costing around Rs 47 crore, with additional expenses for fountains at Rs 2 crore and landscaping at Rs 2.63 crore pushing the total beyond Rs 69 crore. Factoring in typical construction overruns of 25-30%, Shahdev claimed the final bill could easily exceed Rs 100 crore.
The BJP leader didn’t hold back in comparing Soren to Kejriwal, whose own alleged ‘Sheesh Mahal’ in Delhi had sparked massive controversy. ‘Just like Kejriwal claimed to be the common man while building luxury, Soren preaches austerity for the masses but indulges in extravagance,’ Shahdev remarked. He highlighted the irony in a state where countless tribal families still battle for basic necessities like food, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Adding fuel to the fire, Shahdev questioned the timing and necessity. The Hemant Soren government has already announced plans for a new Chief Minister’s residence and Raj Bhavan in the Smart City area. ‘Why squander public money on this when a modern complex is on the cards?’ he asked, vowing that BJP would take the issue to every doorstep.
This accusation comes at a sensitive time for Jharkhand politics, with opposition parties sharpening their knives ahead of future elections. Soren’s JMM-led alliance has yet to respond officially, but the controversy is sure to dominate headlines. As the debate rages, questions about governance priorities and fiscal responsibility hang heavy over Ranchi.