Amit Shah launches the BJP manifesto for the Jharkhand elections, criticizing Hemant Soren.
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand elections today, arriving in the state capital, Ranchi, on Saturday night. In the BJP's "Sankalp Patra" for the elections, the party outlined 25 resolutions to commemorate 25 years since the state's formation. One key initiative, the "Gogo Didi" scheme, promises Rs 2,100 per month to women.
During the manifesto launch, Shah launched a strong critique of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, asserting that women and tribal communities are unsafe under the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government. He emphasized that the current administration has failed to protect the state's identity, stating, "The present government has failed to safeguard Jharkhand’s ashmita (pride)—its bread, daughters, and land." He urged voters to reflect on the type of leadership they desire for the state's future.
Shah pointed out that tribal communities in Jharkhand, particularly in Santhal Pargana, are facing increasing insecurity, with reports of a declining population. BJP leaders have raised concerns about "infiltrators" arriving, marrying local women, and taking over land. They warn that if these issues go unaddressed, the cultural heritage, land, and safety of Jharkhand's daughters will be jeopardized. To address these concerns, the BJP is promoting its campaign under the slogan "Roti, Beti, Maati," pledging to secure livelihoods, families, and land.
Amit Shah also highlighted the BJP's role in the creation of Jharkhand, crediting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the state's formation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its ongoing development. He criticized Hemant Soren's government for allegedly stalling progress on initiatives initiated by Modi's administration since taking power five years ago. Shah remarked, "Jharkhand was created by our former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji," and noted that Modi has continued to advance its development.
He claimed that under Soren’s leadership, development schemes associated with the "double engine government" approach have come to a halt.
Taking a subtle jab at Congress regarding its electoral promises, Shah said, "Whenever I speak about 'Sankalp Patra,' it's clear that the BJP stands apart from all other political parties. The BJP is the only political party in the country that delivers on its commitments. Whenever the BJP comes to power, whether at the Centre or in the states, we have always fulfilled our promises." Elections for the 81-member Assembly in Jharkhand will occur in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
