The winter session of the Jharkhand Assembly commenced on Friday with the House passing a resolution to condole the tragic death of 15 veterans.

Immediately after the House met, the Speaker of the Assembly read out a resolution and conveyed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.

Remembering the icon of Indian cinema, former MP, Dharmendra, the Speaker said he was a renowned actor and his performance in the iconic film "Sholay" is still fresh in the minds of the people.

Others who were paid tributes included former Governor Satya Pal Malik and Industrialist Gopichand Hinduja. The House then observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect for the departed souls.

Then the house was adjourned for the day, only to open the session on Monday.

Alongside, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has sought to dispel speculation over a rift in the ruling Mahagathbandhan. On Thursday night, he held a meeting of all India bloc MLAs at ATI and chalked out modalities to collectively take on the Opposition BJP inside the House. 

Prior to that, Congress too held an elaborate meeting of all 16 MLAs at party office and they expressed confidence in CM Soren’s leadership.

Talking to reporters, Congress state president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh said, “All 16 MLAs had attended the meeting, and we have resolved to work unitedly to take up issues concerning public interest and in the interest of our alliance government. Our focus will be to take on the Opposition based on the issues and ensure that the House runs properly.”