Dhoni, Deepika Kumari feature in Jharkhand day ad

RANCHI - Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Delhi Commonwealth Games archery gold medallist Deepika Kumari seem to be the only two achievements of the Jharkhand government, going by the full-page newspaper ads put out Monday to mark the 10th anniversary of the state’s formation.

The Jharkhand government has come out with the full-page advertisements in local newspapers that show the photographs of Chief Minister Arjun Munda, 11 of his cabinet colleagues, Dhoni and Deepika Kumari.

While Dhoni is holding the World Cup T20 award which India won in 2008, Deepika is showing off her gold medal. Both are residents of Ranchi.

The advertisement does not mention a single achievement by the government in any sector. The ad says: “After 32 years the dream of panchayat polls will be fulfilled as the nominations of the polls are underway. Fifty percent reservations in panchayats will empower women of the state.” The five-phase polls began Nov 2.

The opposition Congress has taken a dig at the government over the ad. “What will the government show in its achievements? Corruption is the only achievement of Jharkhand in the last ten years,” Rabindra Singh, Congress spokesperson, told IANS.

Jharkhand was carved out from Bihar Nov 15, 2000 for development of the region, particularly tribal people who constitute 27 percent of the state.

Jharkhand’s 54 percent population lives Below Poverty Line (BPL). The state produces only half the foodgrains it consumes. The power production declined from 450 MW to 300 MW, while the state needs more than 1,400 MW.

Ruling alliance steering committee chairman Shibu Soren has admitted that the state has failed to achieve its goal for which it was created in 2000.