Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, describing the election as a choice for Jharkhand’s future. Addressing a gathering in Ranchi, Shah emphasized that this election is not just about a change in government but about securing a prosperous future for Jharkhand. He urged voters to choose between a government he claimed is riddled with corruption and a BJP-led government focused on development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Election as a Decisive Choice for Jharkhand’s Future
Shah urged voters to consider whether they want a government that compromises Jharkhand’s identity, land, and security by allowing infiltration or a BJP government that protects the borders. He stressed that under the BJP, Jharkhand would move towards a secure future, contrasting it with the current government’s alleged failure to protect the state’s tribal culture, lands, and women.
Hope for Tribals, Backward Classes, and the Underprivileged
Shah expressed that the BJP’s Sankalp Patra, which outlines development commitments, has raised hopes among Jharkhand’s backward classes, poor, tribals, and Dalits. Highlighting the BJP’s track record of fulfilling promises, he said, “The BJP is the only party in the country’s politics that does what it says.” He added that the party’s consistent commitment to its resolutions is what makes it stand out.
Allegations Against the JMM-Led Government
Shah strongly criticized the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging that it has failed to protect the tribal community. He cited a decline in the tribal population in Santhal Pargana, attributing it to infiltration. Shah claimed that infiltrators were displacing local communities, taking over land, and marrying local women as a means of occupation. He reiterated the BJP’s pledge to safeguard “Roti, Beti, Maati” (livelihood, daughters, and land) of Jharkhand.
Commitment to Drive Out Infiltrators and Protect Tribal Land
As part of the BJP’s agenda, Shah promised to enact laws to reclaim land taken from women and drive out infiltrators. He accused the Soren-led administration of failing to protect women’s safety in the state and vowed to restore order and security if the BJP comes to power.
Leaders Present and Election Details
The event was attended by prominent BJP leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sanjay Seth, and Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi. Elections for Jharkhand’s 81 assembly seats will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. In the last assembly election, the JMM secured 30 seats, BJP won 25, and Congress won 16.
The BJP’s manifesto launch signals the party’s focused efforts to reclaim power in Jharkhand by addressing core issues of development, security, and tribal welfare.
