In his first election rally in Garhwa since the announcement of Assembly election in Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the ruling government of JMM, Congress and RJD of corruption that disproportionately affects the poor, Dalits, tribals, and backward communities. Modi criticising the coalition government for misappropriating funds from the Centre allocated for various schemes, stating it is time for a “double engine government” in Jharkhand to ensure development over the next 25 years.
PM Modi addressing the election rally in Garhwa without naming anyone directly, said that he has received reports of corrupt public representatives of the area (Garhwa). “They did not even spare the water tap that is your right. We made such big plans to provide water to every house. We sent thousands of crores but here the people of JMM Congress filled that money in their coffers. Where there are BJP governments in the country, water to every house is running successfully. But in Jharkhand, it is stalled even after our efforts. If water reaches Garhwa, then migration will stop and those who have migrated will also come back. Today this area has become a big centre of sand smuggling,” said Modi.
PM’s remark assumes importance as last month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 20 locations, including those of IAS officer Manish Ranjan, Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Mithlesh Thakur, and his associates, in connection with a multi-crore scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department.
The ED conducted raids at the premises of Vinay Thakur, the brother of Mithlesh Thakur, his personal secretary Harendra Singh, and several department engineers at locations in Ranchi, Chaibasa and Garhwa in Jharkhand.
Mithlesh Thakur, a contractor-turned-politician, holds significant influence in the current administration. Manish Ranjan, who was previously under the ED's scrutiny in connection with a rural development scam, served as secretary in the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department for a considerable period.
Modi said that the truth is that the government of Jharkhand has become a slave of the mafia. The public is forced to migrate. These people are busy in sharing government contracts. Business is coming to a halt here. But the business of transfer posting is flourishing. Every vote given to BJP should be to hit the mafia system that JMM, Congress and RJD have created. JMM, Congress and RJD have taken the policy of appeasement to its extreme. All these three parties are supporters of infiltrators. They are settling Bangladeshi infiltrators all over Jharkhand.
After addressing rally in Garhwa, PM Modi in a robust address in Chaibasa, West Singhbhum criticized the Congress for its historical and ongoing treatment of tribal communities. Speaking to a large gathering on Monday at Tata College ground, Modi accused the Congress of keeping tribals impoverished by denying them rightful reservations and neglecting their welfare, a charge aimed at consolidating tribal support for the BJP ahead of the state elections.
Modi stated that Congress failed to give tribals their due rights and even opposed their reservation rights when Baba Saheb Ambedkar initiated them. “Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and successive leaders from the Gandhi family did not support reservation for tribals,” Modi remarked. He claimed that Congress has perpetuated poverty within the tribal communities and did not establish a separate ministry for tribal welfare—initiatives that he noted were spearheaded by BJP-led administrations.
The Prime Minister assured the audience that, if the BJP is elected, his administration would prioritize the issue of illegal infiltration, which he described as a growing concern for local communities. He promised stringent measures to prevent illegal land seizures and pledged that tribal lands illegally occupied would be returned to rightful owners, especially tribal daughters. Modi emphasized that tribal security and land rights would be protected under a BJP government, which would take “every step” to safeguard the community.
Modi outlined the BJP’s accomplishments in poverty alleviation, claiming that nearly 25 crore Indians had been lifted out of poverty over the past decade through targeted social schemes. Reflecting on his own background, he stated, “I have experienced poverty firsthand. I have seen the struggle up close, and that’s why I prioritized schemes for the poor.” The Prime Minister argued that Jharkhand’s tribal areas, often neglected, deserve equal attention in the fight against poverty, adding that the BJP’s schemes aim to alleviate poverty and create new economic opportunities in the region.
In a gesture of respect to Jharkhand’s tribal heritage, Modi praised the region’s legacy of resistance against oppression, including the role Kolhan played in opposing British colonial forces. “This land has witnessed the valor of heroes like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Chand Bhairav, Tilka Manjhi, Nilambar-Pitambar, and Sido-Kanhu,” he said. He emphasized that BJP’s policies aim to preserve this heritage while empowering women, pointing out the party’s recently released “Resolution for Empowering Women.” Modi urged the region to carry on this legacy by supporting the BJP, hinting that a shift in governance would allow Kolhan to “create new history.”
Modi revisited BJP’s commitment to tribal identity by highlighting the creation of separate states under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “For BJP, tribal self-respect is paramount,” he said, underscoring the importance of statehood for Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. He credited Vajpayee’s government with recognizing the need for dedicated governance for tribal regions, and he positioned the BJP as the sole party that prioritizes tribal aspirations and dignity.
In an emotional appeal, Modi referred to the infamous Gua Firing incident in the 1980s when a Congress-led government was accused of brutal repression against tribals. He compared the actions of Congress at that time to colonial-era atrocities, claiming that Congress shed tribal blood to suppress dissent. This, Modi argued, was indicative of Congress’s attitude towards tribal rights, reinforcing his accusation that the party has historically disregarded tribal interests and welfare.
The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating his vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Jharkhand, where tribal communities are afforded dignity, land rights, and opportunities for development. He implored voters to consider the BJP’s track record in welfare initiatives, including education, healthcare, and employment, and to support the BJP’s vision for a stronger Jharkhand.
