At recent rallies in Jharkhand, Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda made a strong commitment to protect the state’s local and tribal communities if the BJP wins the upcoming Assembly elections. Addressing a gathering in Bishrampur in Palamu district, Nadda vowed that the BJP would expel Bangladeshi immigrants who he claims are exploiting the tribal rights system by marrying local tribal women to gain access to tribal lands and resources. Emphasizing the protection of the unique cultural and social identity of the Adivasi population, Nadda said that children born to Bangladeshi fathers and Adivasi mothers would not be given tribal status, aiming to ensure that these rights remain exclusively for Indigenous communities.
Nadda also sharply criticized the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government, alleging widespread corruption and accusing the coalition of including "corrupt people and thieves." He called upon voters to end the tenure of what he described as a "single-engine" government and replace it with a "double-engine" model, a BJP approach where both state and central governments align to promote faster development. Nadda argued that this approach would better serve Jharkhand’s growth and would facilitate smoother implementation of policies supporting local welfare and economic progress.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined the campaign with a similar message, directing pointed criticism at the JMM and Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Shah accused the state government of extending a "red-carpet welcome" to Bangladeshi infiltrators, alleging that these immigrants were impacting the state's demographic and economic landscape by seizing tribal lands and local employment opportunities, and even engaging in what he called "anti-national activities." He asserted that under a BJP-led government, these immigrants would face swift deportation, with security measures tightened along the border to prevent future unauthorized entry.
Additionally, Shah addressed concerns around the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which some opposition parties argue could harm tribal customs and rights. He dismissed these claims as misinformation, clarifying that the BJP’s stance is to exclude the tribal population from the UCC’s ambit, thereby preserving their traditional rights and autonomy.
The campaign messages underscore BJP’s focus on issues of cultural identity, security, and development in Jharkhand, with the leadership casting the opposition as weak on security and integrity issues. As Jharkhand prepares for its 81-seat Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on November 13 and November 20, the BJP leaders are appealing to the tribal and indigenous vote banks by stressing a vision that blends local protection with national security. Vote counting is set for November 23, making this election a closely watched contest between the current JMM-led government and the BJP.
