 |
|
Kunal Sarangi, a former MLA from Baharagora and a prominent figure in Jharkhand politics, has shed light on the inner workings of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state, raising concerns about its functioning and its commitment to grassroots change.
Sarangi, who was once a rising star within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) before joining the BJP in 2019, alleges that he was misled by the party's promises and ultimately felt demotivated by the lack of support and opportunities within the party.
He describes the BJP's structure as resembling a multinational company, where innovation is limited, and individuals are expected to follow directives from the national leadership in Delhi.
Sarangi further criticizes the party's deep-rooted factionalism and the emphasis on ‘parikrama’ (sycophancy) over hard work and meritocracy.
He claims that his attempts to rise through the ranks were hampered by factional politics and a lack of support from the state BJP leadership.
He specifically points to instances where he was expected to personally attack Chief Minister Hemant Soren, a move he refused, potentially incurring the displeasure of some BJP leaders.
Sarangi also highlights the party's focus on symbolic gestures, such as promoting tribal leaders like President Droupadi Murmu and Dalit leaders like Amar Bauri, while failing to deliver on its promises of real change at the grassroots level.
He argues that these symbolic appointments do not address the underlying issues and that the party's approach is creating new fault lines within society.
He further criticizes the BJP's handling of tribal communities in Jharkhand, noting that despite promoting tribal leaders, the party lost all five tribal seats in the state in the recent Lok Sabha polls, indicating a disconnect between the party's actions and the reality on the ground.
Sarangi's resignation from the BJP and his candid criticisms expose the internal tensions and challenges within the party in Jharkhand.
His experience highlights the perceived disconnect between the national rhetoric of the BJP and its implementation at the state level, raising questions about the party's ability to deliver on its promises and its approach to promoting social justice and inclusivity.
With the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, Sarangi's revelations are likely to add fuel to the political fire and shape the narrative surrounding the BJP's campaign.
His decision to contest the elections as an Independent, while not confirmed, suggests his intention to continue his political journey, potentially challenging the BJP and its leadership in the state.