Jharkhand minister Simon Marandi sacked

Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmad Tuesday sacked Food Supply Minister Simon Marandi after Chief Minister Hemant Soren recommended his dismissal, apparently for working against the interests of the ruling JMM in the Lok Sabha elections.

"The chief minister has recommended dismissal of Marandi. The file related to the dismissal of the food supply minister was sent to Ahmad Monday night," an official told IANS.

Marandi is a senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader. Soren is leading the JMM-led ruling coalition in the state. The decision to dismiss Marandi was taken as he has allegedly worked against the JMM in the Lok Sabha polls.

Marandi, according to party sources, has appealed to his supporters to ensure the defeat of JMM chief Shibu Soren from the Dumka Lok Sabha constituency and of Vijay Hansda from the Rajmahal constituency.

Marandi wanted the JMM to field his son for the Rajmahal Lok Sabha constituency. But as his son was denied the ticket, Marandi revolted against the party.

Earlier, reacting to the move to sack him, Marandi told reporters here: "I am one of the founder members of the JMM. If the party is behaving like this with me, then imagine what will happen to the party. Let it first dismiss me, and then I will announce my next course of action."- IANS