Jharkhand Assembly Polls: How BJP And JMM Are Targeting Each Other On Key Issues?

Political parties in Jharkhand are preparing for their campaigns as the first phase of voting approaches, with candidate nominations concluding on Tuesday. The BJP is focusing on themes like 'Maati, beti and roti', while the JMM is highlighting Jharkhandi Pride and the 'Insider vs Outsider' narrative.

The BJP's main theme revolves around 'Maati, beti and roti', addressing demographic changes among tribals.

"This is happening for the real. The infiltrators from Bangladesh are marrying tribal women to get land and political power through them. The Hemant Soren government has left it unchecked due to vote bank politics," ET quoted Shivpujan Pathak, BJP's Jharkhand media-in-charge, as saying.

On the other hand, the JMM and its allies are focusing on 'Roti, kapda aur makaan'. JMM leaders claim they have delivered on these fronts over the past five years. Chief Minister Hemant Soren highlights schemes like Maiyan Samman, which reportedly reached 57 lakh women above 18 years old.

Soren also emphasises loan waivers for farmers and clearing pending electricity bills for 40 lakh families. Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM general secretary, stated these achievements during discussions with ET.

Soren counters BJP's infiltration allegations by blaming the NDA government at the Centre for border security lapses. During a rally on Monday, he argued that border control falls under central jurisdiction.

The BJP's 'roti' theme addresses unemployment issues by pointing out exam paper leaks under the current administration. "Hemant Soren promised five lakh jobs every year. But what it delivered was paper leaks in all recruitment examinations of the state," Pathak adds.

Meanwhile, Soren promotes a narrative of 'Outsiders Vs Natives', labelling BJP as outsiders while positioning himself as a champion of Jharkhandi Pride. He frequently discusses Sarna Code and 'Khatiyan' to identify true state inhabitants at his gatherings.

Polling in Jharkhand is scheduled for November 13 and November 20, with votes being counted on November 23.