Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of advancing its political agenda by targeting specific communities and spreading communal divisions in Jharkhand.
While addressing public at an election rally in Khunti district, Soren alleged that the BJP is focused on the state’s resources rather than on issues that matter to locals.
“The BJP is only interested in money and mineral resources of the state. They have nothing to do with ‘Mati, Beti and Roti’. It fixes its agenda by targeting a particular community,” he said.
BJP leaders have claimed at their own rallies that Jharkhand’s land, daughters, and livelihoods are at risk due to Bangladeshi infiltrators. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, campaigning in Jharkhand for the past several months, has raised similar concerns.
Soren criticised Sarma, accusing him of “spreading communal poison” while remaining silent on the plight of tribal women in Manipur.
Soren further alleged that BJP’s policies exploit tribal lands. He cited examples from Chhattisgarh, where he claimed the BJP had granted access to the Hasdeo forest to private entities, resulting in the displacement of indigenous communities.
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Soren further slammed the BJP’s election promises, including an offer to reduce gas cylinder prices to Rs 500, asking, Are they providing it in Assam, Chhattisgarh or Bihar? Soren concluded by likening the BJP to “pickpockets,” accusing the party of siphoning resources from citizens.
Jharkhand is set to vote in two phases, with 43 constituencies heading to the polls on November 13 and 38 on November 20. The counting for both phases will take place on November 23.
The election is shaping up to be a direct contest between the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led INDIA bloc and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA coalition.