Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a highly anticipated roadshow in Jharkhand’s Ranchi on Sunday, rallying support for the BJP in the lead-up to the state’s assembly elections. The roadshow, spanning approximately 3 kilometers, is expected to attract a substantial crowd, underscoring the significance of the event as a strategic show of strength for the party.
Assam Chief Minister and BJP co-in-charge for Jharkhand, Himanta Biswa Sarma, emphasized the importance of the roadshow, describing it as a “historic moment” for the people of Jharkhand. Several senior BJP leaders will also be present, marking the culmination of an intensive campaign aimed at securing a BJP-led government in the state.
PM Modi’s visit follows recent rallies in Chaibasa and Garhwa on November 5, just a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the BJP’s manifesto for the state elections. In Chaibasa, PM Modi promised decisive action against infiltration if BJP gains power, pledging to protect tribal land and empower women through targeted legal reforms. Echoing the party’s rallying slogan, “Roti, Beti aur Maati”, he portrayed the BJP as the safeguard for the cultural and economic interests of Jharkhand’s communities.
Throughout his speeches, PM Modi accused the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of practicing divisive vote-bank politics, which he claims has jeopardized Jharkhand’s identity. He asserted that infiltrators, allegedly shielded by the opposition, pose a threat to the state’s tribal communities by targeting tribal daughters, acquiring land through deceit, and undermining local cultural values. PM Modi assured voters that a BJP government would put stringent anti-infiltration measures in place to address these concerns.
The Prime Minister’s criticisms also extended to the Congress’s historical record, recalling the infamous 1980s Gua Goli incident during Congress’s rule when tribal dissent was suppressed. He pointed to alliances with parties like the RJD, accusing them of exploiting tribal communities and showing disregard for Jharkhand’s autonomy. He also highlighted the treatment of Kolhan’s revered leader Champai Soren, criticizing JMM for disrespecting Soren by ousting him from the Chief Minister’s post.
PM Modi reiterated his commitment to alleviating poverty in Jharkhand, claiming that BJP’s policies have lifted 25 crore Indians out of poverty over the last decade. He criticized the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance for allegedly prioritizing infiltrators, stating that the coalition is attempting to alter the state’s identity and demographic balance by granting minority status to schools and universities, thereby limiting reserved seats for marginalized communities.
The Jharkhand Assembly, comprising 81 seats, will see polling conducted in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. This election will see 2.6 crore eligible voters, including a significant number of young and first-time voters, casting their ballots.
In the previous 2019 election, JMM secured 30 seats, BJP 25, and Congress 16. The BJP had previously won a majority in 2014, securing 37 seats.
(Inputs from ANI)
