Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a strong attack on the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance in the poll-bound state of Jharkhand, accusing them of endangering the state’s tribal lands and rights. Chouhan, who is also the BJP’s election in-charge for Jharkhand, claimed that the state’s “mati, beti, roti” (land, daughter, and bread) are under threat due to large-scale infiltration from Bangladesh.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Chouhan criticized Congress for not condemning controversial remarks made by its Jharkhand state in-charge, Gulam Ahmed Mir. Mir had reportedly promised to provide domestic LPG cylinders to all residents, including “infiltrators,” if the Congress-led government comes to power.
Chouhan, highlighting the plight of tribal communities, said, “Tribal leaders made supreme sacrifices to protect ‘jal, jungle, jameen’ (water, forest, and land). Today, these very lands, especially those of tribal martyrs, are under threat from illegal infiltrators who are encroaching on the land and exploiting the honour of tribal women.”
He further alleged that tribal communities have now become minorities in several villages in the Santhal Pargana region, particularly in areas associated with the sacrifices of tribal martyrs Sidho and Kanhu in Dumka’s Bhognadih. “This is no ordinary election. It’s a fight to protect our land, dignity, and livelihoods from illegal infiltration,” he added.
On the LPG cylinder promise made by Mir, Chouhan questioned the Congress’ stance, asking whether the party was actively supporting infiltrators by offering them state benefits. “Are they not traitors for aiding infiltrators? Is this part of Congress’ agenda?” Chouhan asked, calling on Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge to clarify their position on the issue.
Chouhan also accused the ruling alliance of ignoring the warnings of the Special Branch, which had issued a circular cautioning the police about the activities of infiltrators. “Despite these warnings, no action has been taken,” he said.
The first phase of voting in the Jharkhand elections took place on November 13, with the second phase scheduled for November 20. The counting of votes will occur on November 23.
Chouhan’s remarks come as the political climate in Jharkhand heats up ahead of the crucial second phase of polling, with both BJP and the ruling alliance intensifying their election campaigns.
