'No UCC for tribals': Key promises from Amit Shah and BJP's Jharkhand election manifesto.

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Jharkhand while ensuring that tribal communities are excluded from its provisions. During the release of the BJP's assembly election manifesto, he emphasized the preservation of tribal identity and heritage, stating, "Hemant Babu, the UCC will certainly be implemented, but we will fully preserve the identity of the tribal communities."

Shah further promised to reclaim land occupied by "infiltrators from Bangladesh" and return it to the tribal community. He criticized current Chief Minister Hemant Soren for failing to ensure the safety of women in Jharkhand, pledging that the BJP would establish a government dedicated to this cause. Among the promises made, Shah stated that if elected, the BJP would provide ₹2,100 per month to every woman in Jharkhand and offer free LPG cylinders during Diwali and Raksha Bandhan. Additionally, he pledged to create 500,000 employment opportunities for youth and provide homes for 21 lakh families. To support the youth, the BJP's manifesto includes a monthly stipend of ₹2,000 for two years, and the creation of 287,000 government jobs alongside 500,000 self-employment opportunities to tackle unemployment.

The UCC Bill aims to establish uniform regulations for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights for all citizens. The BJP has committed to implementing the UCC nationwide in its general election manifesto. In response, JMM leader Mahua Maji dismissed the BJP's manifesto, stating that the public will not believe it, citing a lack of development in Jharkhand during BJP's governance and highlighting issues like women's trafficking. The Jharkhand assembly election is scheduled for November 13 and 20, with vote counting on November 23.