In a forceful address at a BJP rally in Dhalbhumgarh, Ghatshila, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the JMM-led Jharkhand government of favoring Bangladeshi infiltrators for "vote bank politics." Shah promised that if the BJP returns to power in the upcoming state elections, they would enact stringent legislation to block the transfer of tribal land to illegal immigrants, an issue he claimed is threatening the state’s tribal population.
Speaking to a large gathering, Shah alleged that the tribal population in Jharkhand, particularly in regions like Santhal Parganas and Kolhan, has declined due to illegal immigration. “The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance is encouraging Bangladeshi infiltration for political gain,” he asserted. Shah further declared that the BJP would “drive out” those illegally occupying tribal lands and reclaim properties taken over by infiltrators. “Our ‘Mati, Beti, Roti’ (land, daughter, and bread) are under attack. The BJP will not allow this to continue,” he vowed.
The BJP leader also criticized the ruling coalition’s alleged links with Naxalism, contrasting this with the central government’s efforts to eradicate insurgency in the state. He emphasized that the BJP, if elected, would prioritize security, development, and tribal welfare, which he claimed were compromised under the current administration.
Highlighting the BJP's manifesto, Shah promised a slew of welfare measures aimed at supporting tribal communities and ensuring equitable development across Jharkhand. He pledged to provide 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the state, assuring voters that this would not affect reservations for other groups. “This election is about systemic change,” Shah declared, “and stopping the JMM from misappropriating funds meant for the poor and tribals.”
According to Shah, the Modi government has vastly increased the budget for tribal welfare—from Rs 24,000 crore under the UPA government to Rs 1.24 lakh crore now. Shah also announced that a future BJP government would procure 51 types of forest produce at a minimum support price (MSP) and buy paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, with payments made within 48 hours.
Shah used the rally to urge voters to support BJP candidates, including former Chief Minister Champai Soren from Seraikela, his son Babulal Soren from Ghatshila, and Dineshanand Goswami from the Bahragora seat. He stressed that the BJP was committed to curbing migration from Jharkhand by creating more job opportunities and infrastructure, a promise he believes only his party can fulfill.
The Union Home Minister said during the rally that the elections in Jharkhand will aim to bring changes to the system and prevent the JMM from misappropriating funds allocated for poor tribals. Shah promised that the BJP would stop migration from Jharkhand within the next five years. He asserted that only the BJP could ensure the development of the state.
The rally, held ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, is part of the BJP’s intensive campaign to regain power in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. Elections will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
