BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin A Sinha levelled accusations against Chief Minister Hemant Soren, portraying him as the "leader of Bangladeshi infiltrators in Jharkhand." During a media interaction, Sinha asserted that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress alliance government has systematically neglected and marginalized the state’s indigenous tribal population, prioritizing policies he claimed serve non-local interests, particularly those of undocumented migrants from neighboring countries.
“ It is really surprising to see the rise in Bangladeshis across Jharkhand. This has also led to cases of Love Jihad and Land Jihad. The JMM led government has deliberately led to increase Bangladeshis for the sake of vote bank,” said the spokesperson.
Sinha’s statement underscores a broader BJP strategy as the party seeks to consolidate support within Jharkhand's substantial tribal constituency. Historically, this demographic has been a stronghold for Soren's JMM due to its roots in tribal advocacy. However, Sinha contended that Soren’s leadership has compromised tribal welfare in favor of "Bangladeshi infiltrators," positioning BJP as a protector of Jharkhand’s indigenous culture, resources, and local rights.
Sinha emphasized that it is crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent further marginalization of the indigenous tribal communities. He argued that the demographic changes pose a threat to the cultural and social fabric of the region. "It is time to put an end to the misrule of the State Government," he declared, calling for decisive action against the alleged infiltration.
The timing of Sinha’s remarks is strategic, as the state’s two-phase assembly elections are scheduled to commence on November 13. BJP’s messaging has honed in on tribal identity and local rights, with Sinha expressing confidence in a BJP victory. As part of this narrative, Sinha criticized the Congress’s choice of candidates, particularly the nominee in Jamshedpur East Dr Ajoy Kumar, claiming the candidate’s "anti-tribal" stance and "dubious track record" threaten the integrity of tribal representation.