PM Modi: ‘Roti, Beti, Maati’ At Stake In Jharkhand Polls Amid Infiltration Concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in Deoghar district's Sarath on Wednesday, addressed the biggest concerns facing Jharkhand in the ongoing assembly elections, emphasizing that the protection of 'roti, beti, and maati' (food, women, and land) is the central issue. He warned of a 'huge conspiracy' aimed at changing the identity of the state, stressing the threat posed by infiltration.

Infiltration a Major Concern

Modi highlighted that one of the most pressing issues across Jharkhand, particularly in the Santhal region, is infiltration. He claimed that the tribal population in Santhal has been significantly reduced, calling it a threat to the identity and future of the region. The Prime Minister urged the people of Jharkhand to protect their tribal communities, who he said have been severely impacted by this infiltration.

"Wherever I have traveled in Jharkhand, the biggest worry has been about infiltration... The tribal population in Santhal has reduced to half. We must protect our tribal families and every Jharkhandi from this," Modi said.

Allegations Against JMM-Congress Government

Further, Modi alleged that the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress government has been complicit in making infiltrators permanent residents of the state, which, according to him, has led to locals losing jobs and resources. He claimed that these infiltrators have not only taken away employment opportunities but also impacted the local economy by controlling resources meant for the people of Jharkhand.

Modi criticized the state government for allowing such a situation to persist and promised that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would protect the rights of the locals. He assured the people of Jharkhand that the BJP would safeguard their 'roti, beti, and maati', unlike the current state government, which he accused of ignoring the problem.

"Under the JMM-Congress, every wrong thing was done to make these infiltrators permanent residents. They snatched your jobs and your 'roti'. I assure you that BJP will protect your rights," Modi added.

Congress's Alleged Attack on Tribal Rights

Prime Minister Modi also targeted Congress, accusing the party of insulting tribal communities and plotting to end reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). He brought up the example of the BJP's decision to make a tribal woman, Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, and criticized Congress for trying to defeat her.

"When the BJP decided to make a tribal daughter the President of India, Congress tried its best to defeat her. Even today, they insult President Murmu," Modi remarked. He also accused Congress of having "dangerous intentions" regarding the reservation system, citing comments by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that suggested the party's desire to end reservations for marginalized communities.

Voting Continues Amidst Tensions

As the first phase of Jharkhand's assembly elections unfolds, with voting taking place across 43 constituencies, Prime Minister Modi's remarks have added a fresh layer of political tension. Elections for the Jharkhand assembly will be held in two phases, with the second phase scheduled for November 20. The vote counting will take place on November 23.

Modi's speech has sparked intense political debate, as he not only targeted the state government's handling of infiltration but also raised concerns about the protection of tribal rights, making the ongoing election even more contentious. With these issues at the forefront, the BJP is positioning itself as the protector of local rights and tribal communities in the state.