BANGLADESH-Return to Parliamentary Politics

It is entirely possible that the bill is a logical fallout of the rivalry within the JMM between the Santhal Pargana-based Soren-Mandal group and the Singhbhum- based Mahato group. Mahato who had opposed the JMM's growing alliance with the Janata Dal had recently retreated from the separate state demand and settled for the Jharkhand Vikas Parishad as a first step on tactical grounds. But he has made it clear that a separate and independent administrative machinery, independent budget, education board, freedom in appointments and direct receipt of central allocation by the council are conditions for accepting a council.