Gumla: During a poll rally in Jharkhand’s Gumla, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress, accusing them of corruption and efforts to divide the society. He emphasised the need for a BJP-NDA government in the state, promising to protect Jharkhand’s identity, provide jobs to the youth, and ensure safety for women.
PM Modi claimed that every rally he has attended has seen record-breaking crowds, indicating a strong wave of support in favour of the BJP-NDA alliance. He asked for the people’s blessings, stating that a BJP-led government is necessary to stop illegal infiltration and safeguard the state’s unique culture.
Tribals, OBCs have made BJP their first choice: PM Modi
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of a BJP government in maintaining Jharkhand’s distinct identity. He said that the BJP would focus on providing employment opportunities for the youth and ensuring safety for women, areas he believes have been neglected under the JMM-Congress rule.
PM Modi said that the tribal, OBC, and Dalit communities have now made BJP their first choice, owing to the party’s pro-development agenda.
PM Modi recalled the formation of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting BJP’s commitment to the development of tribal communities. He mentioned the establishment of a separate ministry for tribal affairs, aimed at addressing the needs of the tribal population.
Since coming to power in 2014, Modi government has taken several initiatives to uplift tribal communities. He highlighted that the government declared the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader, as ‘Tribal Pride Day.’ This year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, and the Prime Minister announced that it will be celebrated as a ‘Tribal Pride Year’ across the country.
The Prime Minister also honoured the bravery of Param Vir Chakra awardee Albert Ekka, whose legacy is commemorated by naming an island after him. Modi stated that visitors from around the world now pay their respects to the heroism of Albert Ekka.
PM Modi attacks Congress for ‘disrespecting tribal leaders’
PM Modi pointed out that BJP governments across India have included a large number of tribal ministers. Several states have tribal governors, reflecting the party’s commitment to inclusive governance. He said that it was the BJP-NDA alliance that elected Droupadi Murmu, a tribal leader, as the President of India.
The Prime Minister criticized Congress for its treatment of Droupadi Murmu during the presidential elections, accusing the party of trying its best to defeat her. He claimed that Congress and its allies continue to disrespect the President, showcasing their disdain for the tribal community.
PM Modi also referred to the incident involving Champai Soren suggesting that the mistreatment he faced was a result of Congress’s divisive mindset. He accused JMM-Congress alliance of keeping Jharkhand underdeveloped for their own political gains.
PM Modi accused Congress of attempting to break the unity of SC/ST and OBC communities, claiming that the party wants to snatch away their reservation benefits. He warned that if people become divided along caste lines, the strength of the tribal community would diminish. Emphasising unity, he said, “If we stay united, we stay safe.”
The Prime Minister criticised JMM and Congress leaders for being disconnected from the hardships faced by the people, alleging that they are only focused on filling their own pockets. He remarked that the people have witnessed piles of cash linked to JMM and Congress ministers, referring to televised raids where bundles of currency notes were shown.
BJP-NDA’s vision for development
The Prime Minister said that BJP-NDA government has turned Jharkhand into a centre for major development projects, focusing on the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (together for everyone’s growth). He claimed that following this path would ensure the development of both Jharkhand and India as a whole.
PM Modi alleged that JMM and Congress have different intentions, primarily aiming to disrupt the unity of the tribal, OBC, and Dalit communities. He stated that Congress has lost ground in states with a strong tribal presence because these communities have united in favour of BJP.
