Prime Minister Modi warns of attempts by the JMM-Congress alliance to divide OBC communities for political gain in Jharkhand, as the state prepares for its upcoming Assembly elections.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ramped up his criticism of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress alliance, accusing the coalition of attempting to divide Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for political advantage ahead of the state’s Assembly elections. Addressing a rally in Bokaro, Modi warned voters about the alliance’s strategy to sow division among OBC sub-groups, potentially weakening their collective political influence.Modi’s remarks came as Jharkhand gears up for elections on November 13 and 20. “Since Independence, the Congress has worked to keep communities divided, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and OBCs, to benefit politically,” Modi said. He urged the people of Jharkhand to beware of the Congress-JMM’s “evil designs,” claiming the alliance would go to any length to maintain power. “Congress has historically kept forming governments by exploiting divisions, and they are now attempting to do the same with the OBC community in Jharkhand,” he added.With more than 125 sub-castes classified as OBCs in the state’s Chotanagpur region, Modi expressed concern that the JMM-Congress coalition aimed to create rifts within these groups, which could undermine their unity and political strength. “If you stay united, you will remain safe,” he cautioned the voters, urging them to resist any attempts to divide their community.Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was campaigning in Potka, East Singhbhum, also took aim at the JMM-led government, accusing the coalition of allowing illegal immigration to thrive in Jharkhand. Shah claimed that the alliance had created a “red carpet” for Bangladeshi infiltrators, who, according to him, settle in the state, encroach on tribal land, and take away employment opportunities from local youth. Shah reaffirmed the BJP’s stance on illegal immigration, assuring that no infiltrator would be allowed to stay in Jharkhand under a BJP government.The issue of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) also featured prominently in the BJP’s campaign. Shah criticized the JMM and Congress for spreading misinformation that the UCC would undermine tribal rights. He assured tribal communities that the BJP would ensure their rights remain protected, clarifying that the UCC would not negatively impact them.Jharkhand’s upcoming Assembly election will determine the fate of 81 seats. In the previous 2019 election, the JMM secured 30 seats, the BJP won 25, and Congress gained 16. In 2014, the BJP had a stronger showing, winning 37 seats compared to JMM’s 19 and Congress’s 6.As the election approaches, political discourse in Jharkhand has become increasingly heated, with both parties targeting key voter groups and accusing each other of attempting to manipulate regional and communal dynamics for electoral gain.
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