Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a fierce attack on the Congress party, accusing it of conspiring to take away reservations meant for tribal communities and redistribute them to its “vote bank.” Speaking at an election rally in Chaibasa, located in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, Modi’s comments came as part of the BJP’s campaign strategy leading up to the assembly elections scheduled for November 13 and 20.
In his address, Modi emphasized his admiration for those who have faced rejection, stating, “Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar has ensured the provision of reservation to protect tribal rights, but Nehru-ji opposed it.” He argued that the Gandhi family historically opposed reservation policies while they were in power, and he claimed that they are now openly declaring their intention to abolish tribal reservations. “They will snatch tribal reservations and hand it over to their vote bank,” he charged, warning the audience to remain vigilant against what he termed as Congress’s conspiratorial strategies.
Modi went on to highlight the Congress party’s alleged maneuvers to declare educational institutions as minority institutions, which he argued undermines the reservation opportunities for tribals, Dalits, and backward classes. “By declaring schools, colleges, and universities as minority institutions, they are effectively stopping the reservation for tribals,” he claimed. Modi urged the public to be wary of this perceived conspiracy, positioning the BJP as the true protector of tribal rights.
The Prime Minister also took aim at the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition government, accusing it of jeopardizing tribal “identity, dignity, and existence.” He claimed that the government facilitated the illegal activities of Bangladeshi infiltrators, allowing them to create false documents and settle in the region. “Infiltrators are snatching your daughters, grabbing land, and devouring your bread,” Modi asserted, suggesting that such actions are part of a broader effort to alter Jharkhand’s demographic composition.
Looking ahead, Modi pledged that if the BJP regained power in Jharkhand, it would introduce stringent laws to reclaim land allegedly taken from locals by infiltrators. “We will bring stringent legislation to return land grabbed by infiltrators,” he promised, framing the issue as critical to safeguarding tribal interests.
In a broader political context, Modi criticized the Congress-led opposition for what he described as the humiliation of BJP candidate Sita Soren during the election campaign. He linked this alleged disrespect to a pattern of behavior exhibited by the opposition, stating, “Insulting women is their habit.” Modi cited an incident in Maharashtra involving Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, who reportedly used derogatory language against a woman leader. He expressed solidarity with women, saying that “mothers and daughters are in shock” and that voters will respond by teaching the opposition a lesson.
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As the rally progressed, Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to welfare policies for tribal communities, pledging benefits that would uplift their socio-economic status. He emphasized that under a BJP government, reservations and benefits for tribals would be protected and enhanced, portraying the BJP as the party that truly champions the rights of marginalized communities.
Polling for the 81-member Jharkhand assembly is set to take place in two phases, and the BJP is keen to regain lost ground in a state where it has faced challenges in recent elections. The Prime Minister’s rally in Chaibasa was part of a larger strategy to mobilize support from tribal communities and women, two vital demographics that will significantly influence the electoral outcome.
As the campaign heats up, Modi’s sharp rhetoric against the Congress party reflects the BJP’s determination to position itself as the guardian of tribal rights, countering the narrative that it has neglected these communities in favor of broader electoral strategies. With the election just days away, both parties are intensifying their efforts to win over voters in Jharkhand.
