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The upcoming Jharkhand elections in India have become a fierce battleground, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge against the ruling coalition led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). In a series of rallies across the state, Modi has relentlessly attacked the Congress and JMM, accusing them of pursuing divisive politics and neglecting the interests of tribal communities, Dalits, and OBCs.
Modi's main contention revolves around the allegation that the Congress has historically employed a 'divide-and-rule' strategy, exploiting social divisions for political gain. He claims that the Congress has actively sought to keep OBCs fragmented to secure its own political survival and has, since 1990, focused on creating divisions along caste lines to pit SC, ST, and OBC communities against each other. He emphasizes the need for unity among these communities, stating that “Ek rahenge toh safe rahenge (If we are united, we will be safe).”
Beyond accusations of divisive tactics, Modi has also targeted the JMM-led coalition for alleged corruption and mismanagement of state resources. He accuses them of looting Jharkhand's natural resources for personal gain and even taking bribes for basic administrative tasks like issuing birth and death certificates. He argues that the coalition's actions have deprived deserving youth of opportunities, citing instances of alleged recruitment exam paper leaks.
Further, Modi has highlighted the importance of tribal rights and opportunities, accusing the Congress of obstructing the elevation of Droupadi Murmu as President due to her tribal identity. He also points to the removal of former Chief Minister Champai Soren by the current government, suggesting an attempt to marginalize tribal leadership. His campaign rallies in tribal-majority areas like Gumla have focused on appealing to these communities and emphasizing the BJP's commitment to their well-being.
The Jharkhand elections are a crucial test for both the BJP and the JMM-led coalition. Modi's aggressive campaigning, coupled with his focus on tribal rights and accusations of corruption, are likely to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the elections. The results will be closely watched as a barometer of the BJP's electoral strength and the impact of its strategy in a state with a strong tribal presence.
Source: Jharkhand Election, India Elections 2024 Live: Former CM, BJP candidate Champai Soren casts vote