Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has escalated his criticism of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government in Jharkhand, accusing it of betraying the state's indigenous tribal communities by prioritizing the interests of infiltrators. Sarma's fiery remarks, delivered during a planning conference for an upcoming youth rally, were aimed directly at Chief Minister Hemant Soren, whom he accused of failing to protect the rights and livelihoods of Jharkhand's tribal population. According to Sarma, the state government is not only neglecting the pressing issues facing the indigenous communities but is also actively siding with infiltrators who are altering the state's demographic makeup and undermining the social fabric.
Sarma's address was a prelude to a significant youth outrage rally organized by the BJP's youth wing, set to take place in Ranchi on August 23. This rally, he emphasized, would be a crucial turning point for the youth of Jharkhand, providing them with a platform to assert their voice and influence the political direction of the state. As the BJP's co-in-charge for the upcoming elections in Jharkhand, Sarma underscored the importance of this event in mobilizing the youth against what he described as a government that has lost touch with the needs and aspirations of its people.
In his speech, Sarma accused Chief Minister Hemant Soren of making hollow promises and misleading the public with false assurances. He identified two critical issues that have sparked widespread public discontent: the government's failure to deliver on its promises and the growing threat posed by infiltrators, whom Sarma claimed are targeting the Hindu population of Jharkhand. He warned that if the people of Jharkhand do not unite to combat these infiltrators, the state's cultural and social identity could be at risk.
Sarma also raised alarm over the changing demographics in Jharkhand, which he attributed to the unchecked influx of infiltrators. He claimed that in 19 assembly constituencies, infiltrators now make up more than 20% of the population, effectively displacing the tribal communities that have traditionally inhabited these areas. This, he argued, has led to a situation where the influence of infiltrators is eclipsing the authority of the tribal Chief Minister. Sarma accused the Soren government of criminalizing tribal youth by labeling them as Naxalites and filing false charges against them, while simultaneously allowing infiltrators to operate with impunity. He further alleged that the Soren administration is being intimidated by external forces, specifically pointing to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a source of undue influence.
The Assam Chief Minister did not hold back in his criticism of the Jharkhand government's handling of job creation, unemployment allowances, and the infiltration issue. He accused the Soren administration of sidestepping these critical discussions, leaving the state's youth vulnerable to a future of uncertainty and economic hardship. Sarma also took aim at the government's Maiya scheme, which he dismissed as a scam, alleging that it was riddled with corruption, with brokers and intermediaries extorting money from the public just to fill out application forms. He argued that the mothers and sisters of Jharkhand do not want token financial assistance; they want meaningful employment opportunities for their sons and brothers.
Sarma went on to highlight the unmet financial promises made to the state's unemployed youth, accusing Hemant Soren of owing them substantial amounts in unpaid allowances. He demanded that the youth of Jharkhand be entitled to demand these funds with interest, as they have been left waiting for too long. Sarma suggested that this money is being held back by the Chief Minister, further exacerbating the economic struggles faced by young people in the state.
In his concluding remarks, Sarma issued a rallying cry to the youth of Jharkhand, urging them to use the August 23 rally as a platform to demand change and hold the Soren government accountable. He predicted that the youth would rise up and compel Hemant Soren to step down from his position, paving the way for a new leadership that truly represents the interests of the state's indigenous communities. Sarma's speech was a clear signal that the BJP intends to leverage youth discontent as a key part of its strategy in the upcoming elections, positioning itself as the champion of tribal rights and a bulwark against infiltration.
Â
