Modi Criticizes JMM-Congress Alliance as Jharkhand Prepares for Assembly Elections

Ahead of Jharkhand’s Assembly elections on November 13 and 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticized the JMM-Congress alliance during a rally in Bokaro, accusing the coalition of attempting to divide Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities for political advantage. Modi claimed that the Congress party had a history of fostering division among communities, specifically targeting Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and OBCs since Independence.

“Congress has opposed unity among SC, ST, and OBCs,” Modi stated, alleging that the party thrived by keeping communities divided. He warned voters about the “evil designs” of the Congress-JMM alliance, suggesting that they would stop at nothing to maintain power. Modi stressed the importance of unity, advising OBC communities in Jharkhand’s Chotanagpur region to stay united for political strength and protection.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, campaigning in Potka, East Singhbhum, also took aim at the JMM-led coalition, accusing them of enabling illegal immigration. “The JMM-led coalition has laid out a red carpet for Bangladeshi infiltrators, who encroach upon tribal lands and take job opportunities from the youth,” Shah alleged. He promised that under a BJP government, illegal immigrants would be deported, ensuring that no infiltrator would cross Jharkhand’s borders.

Shah further addressed the controversy surrounding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), accusing the JMM and Congress of spreading misleading propaganda that it would harm tribal rights. He assured voters that the BJP would protect tribal communities from the UCC’s impact.

The election will determine the future of 81 Assembly seats. In the 2019 polls, the JMM won 30 seats, BJP secured 25, and Congress earned 16. However, in the 2014 election, the BJP had a stronger showing with 37 seats, while the JMM and Congress won 19 and 6 seats, respectively.