Jharkhand Election: Hemant Soren Hits Back At Amit Shah Over 'Infiltrator' Claim With 'Sheikh Hasina' Jibe

BJP's manifesto release and Union Minister Amit Shah's remarks on "infiltration" have drawn a sharp reaction from Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

He highlighted that infiltration from Bangladesh occurs through BJP-governed states and questioned the basis on which the Centre granted asylum to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Photo Credit: PTI

"I would like to know whether the BJP has some sort of internal understanding with Bangladesh," he said during an election rally at Ranka in the Garhwa Assembly constituency.

"Please tell us on what basis you allowed the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh to land in India and seek asylum. Infiltrators from Bangladesh enter India through BJP-ruled states. They are admitting it themselves," he added.

Yesterday, while unveiling the BJP manifesto, Amit Shah accused the Jharkhand government of providing "shelter" to infiltrators.

"You have given shelter to infiltrators. You made infiltrators your votebank. Today, I would like to inform the people of Jharkhand that by ending appeasement politics, the BJP will drive out infiltrators and rebuild Jharkhand from scratch," he had stated.

However, the primary election issue likely to dominate the campaign is the BJP's pledge to implement the Uniform Civil Code, which has sparked controversy in the state's tribal-dominated regions.

During the manifesto launch, Shah clarified that the tribal population, with its unique customs and practices, would be excluded from the Uniform Civil Code.

This has faced strong opposition from Congress, a ruling alliance partner.

"If he is speaking in the capacity of the Union Home Minister, then it is wrong. If he is speaking as a BJP leader, then fine. They are habitual liars anyway," said senior Congress leader Rajesh Thakur. "Why are you saying that tribals will be out of the UCC's scope? Because you have included them in the UCC," he added.

The BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' for Jharkhand comprises 25 pledges marking 25 years since the state's formation.

Among these is the "Gogo Didi" welfare scheme, promising Rs 2,100 per month to women as a counter to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's Maiyan Samman Yojana, which provides Rs 1,000 monthly. The BJP has also pledged free cooking gas during festivals and 500,000 jobs for the youth in the state.