The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially released its Sankalp Patra, or manifesto, for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections. During the launch event in Ranchi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that this election is crucial not just for changing the government, but for determining the future trajectory of Jharkhand. He urged voters to choose between a government marred by corruption and a BJP administration focused on development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shah stated, “The people of Jharkhand must decide whether they want a government that threatens their identity, land, and women through unchecked infiltration, or a BJP government dedicated to protecting the state’s borders.” He asserted that the BJP aims to champion the interests of backward classes, the poor, tribals, and Dalits, who he claims are looking to the BJP’s manifesto with hope.
Criticizing the current government led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Shah claimed that tribal communities are increasingly at risk. He noted a concerning decline in the tribal population in Santhal Pargana, attributing this to the influence of infiltrators who, he alleged, are endangering local culture, land, and women. “If this continues, nothing—neither employment nor safety for our daughters—will remain secure,” he warned, introducing the BJP’s slogan of securing “Roti, Beti, Maati” (bread, daughters, and land).
Shah also launched a direct attack on the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) alliance, accusing them of permitting infiltrators to encroach on tribal lands. He pledged that a BJP government would expel these infiltrators and restore lands that have been wrongfully taken from women, directly addressing Hemant Soren with the statement, “You have failed to provide security for the women of Jharkhand.”
The Union Minister reiterated the BJP’s commitment to implementing the Universal Civil Code (UCC) in the state, clarifying that it would be applicable to all citizens without discrimination based on religion, gender, or sexual orientation, while also ensuring tribal exemptions.
Key Features of the BJP’s Jharkhand Manifesto
Job Creation: The BJP aims to create 287,000 government jobs and facilitate 500,000 self-employment opportunities to address unemployment in the state.
Support for Women: Under the ‘Gogo Didi Scheme,’ every woman in Jharkhand will receive Rs 2,100 monthly. Additionally, two free LPG gas cylinders will be provided annually, with a special price of Rs 500 for each cylinder.
Youth Employment: The manifesto promises to generate five lakh job opportunities for the youth, emphasizing transparency in the recruitment process for 287,500 government positions. Recruitment is set to commence in the first cabinet meeting, with a goal to fill 1.5 lakh positions by November 2025.
Affordable LPG: The Laxmi Johar Yojana will provide LPG gas cylinders at a subsidized rate, ensuring access to essential cooking fuel.
The launch event also saw the presence of notable leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Sanjay Seth, along with BJP Jharkhand President Babulal Marandi.
Election Schedule
The elections for the 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes set for November 23. As the BJP campaigns on a platform of security and development, all eyes will be on the electorate’s response to these proposals.
