Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday jumped into election campaigning for party candidates in Palamu and Gumla. The Khunti MP exuded confidence that the BJP will repeat its general election performance with party easily reaching 65 plus, the target set by BJP in year- end Assembly election. In last general election, the NDA won 12 out of 14 seats.
Munda highlighting the achievement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government said that due to his department initiative, the Union Forest and Environment ministry withdrew a controversial proposal to amend the Indian Forest Act IFA (1927), which came under severe criticism for being ‘draconian’ to people especially tribals living in the forests. Munda said, “The Narendra Modi government is well wisher of people especially the tribals. The Government has completely withdrawn the draft amendment to the Indian Forests Act to remove any misgivings, with this the tribal rights will be protected fully and they will continue to be an important stakeholder in forest development.” The draft amendment of IFA had given more power to forest officer, giving them the power to use firearms to deal with offences like encroachment of forest area, permitting cattle to trespass, setting fire, removal of forest produce and disturbing or harming animals. Munda, on the occasion, also highlighted the various welfare scheme of Narendra Modi Government for poor people.
He said under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, poor people are entitled to get Rs 5 lakh medical insurance, Ujjwala scheme under which poor people are getting gas connection free, houses under PM Awas scheme and toilets schemes among others.
Sources said that 57 lakh families are covered with Ayushman Yojana in Jharkhand, 33 lakh women are beneficiaries of Ujjwala yojana in State, 5 lakh beneficiaries are under PM Awas Yojana among others. With Arjun Munda carrying out rallies, the state BJP today launched its campaign for Assembly election. From Thursday senior BJP leaders will carry out whirlwind election campaigns in support of party candidates.
On Thursday, BJP national president and union home minister Amit Shah will address election meeting at Manika and Lohardaga. Similarly, BJP working president JP Nadda will address election meeting at Latehar on Friday. Union Surface transport and highway minister Nitin Gadkari will address election meeting at Bishrampur in support of health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi. Also, PM Modi is scheduled to hold election rally on November 25 at Daltonganj and Gumla.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday BJP national organisational secretary BL Sanstosh reached Ranchi and carried out election management meeting with senior BJP leaders assessing poll preparations and giving task for BJP leaders so that BJP can reach out its target of mission 65 plus.