Dhanbad: The war of words between Dhanbad BJP MP Dulu Mahato and Nirsa CPI(ML) legislator Arup Chatterjee sharpened on Tuesday as both held separate news conferences, trading charges over illegal coal mining, corruption and claims on development projects.The row began after Mahato claimed that Chatterjee became MLA on “sympathy and compassion” after the demise of his father Gurudas Chatterjee.At Dhanbad Circuit House on Tuesday, Chatterjee condemned Mahato’s remarks about his father, saying he had devoted his life to workers’ rights and was honoured every year by thousands on his death anniversary. He demanded an investigation into the MP’s alleged role in illegal coal trade.Chatterjee claimed members of Mahato’s family were linked to the trade and alleged several hard coke units were disposing of stolen coal. Accusing the MP of damaging the industry, he called him “the biggest mafia in Dhanbad”. He said Mahato should not fear a central probe if he was innocent, and challenged him to donate alleged encroached land to the poor.On the Govindpur-Nirsa elevated flyover, Chatterjee said approval came before Mahato became MP. He also credited Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha for the Gaya bridge, accused Mahato of grabbing credit, alleged he had failed to bring major central funds, and dared him to contest 2029 election as an independent.Mahato rejected the allegations as baseless. He alleged illegal coal mining continued in Nirsa, claimed stolen coal was reaching hard coke units across Dhanbad, and demanded an impartial probe into alleged commission practices. He challenged Chatterjee to go on a hunger strike at an illegal mining site in Baghmara, saying he would arrange tents and food while supporting action against illegal mining.Mahato said Chatterjee was misleading people and stressed he had served four terms as MLA and retained public confidence.
