Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, accusing the party of making empty promises to mislead voters. Speaking at a public rally in Deoghar, Soren referred to BJP’s pledges, such as providing LPG cylinders for ₹500, as “lollipops” aimed at trapping the electorate.
He questioned the feasibility of such promises, pointing out the disparity in cylinder prices in states like Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, suggesting that the BJP’s claims were nothing more than “jumlas” (empty slogans). “They are just dangling a lollipop in front of you to trap you… Beware of them, they are very cunning,” Soren warned.
Soren also criticized the BJP for the rising prices under its central government, citing an incident where a family was driven into debt due to skyrocketing costs, ultimately leading to the tragic deaths of family members by suicide.
Additionally, Soren slammed the BJP for practicing divisive politics based on caste and religion, despite claims by its leaders advocating for development-based voting. “Their leaders themselves say that votes should be cast based on development, but they only indulge in caste and religion politics,” he added.
The JMM chief’s comments came amid controversy over a BJP social media post, which the Indian National Congress (INC) and JMM alleged was misleading and aimed at creating division. The Election Commission of India directed the Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer to have the “objectionable” post removed, which showed a video of a JMM supporter’s house with false claims about forced migration by a specific community.
The first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, which saw voting in 43 out of 81 seats, was concluded on November 13. The second phase for the remaining 38 seats will be held on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. Campaigning for the second phase concluded on Monday at 5 PM.
