BJP vows to implement NRC in Jharkhand: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Ranchi, Oct 7, 2024: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the BJP’s election in-charge for Jharkhand, on Monday said that the party will implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Jharkhand if voted to power.

Chouhan said that once the NRC is enforced, Bangladeshi infiltrators will be identified and expelled. He accused the Hemant Soren-led government of providing shelter to these infiltrators by issuing them Aadhaar cards.

Chouhan stressed that the upcoming Jharkhand election is not just about forming a new government or removing Soren from the Chief Minister’s post, but is all about protecting the “roti, beti, and maati” (bread, daughters, and soil) of Jharkhand.

The Union Minsiter claimed that the state has witnessed demographic changes, particularly in the Santhal Pargana region, with the tribal population declining from 44% to 28%, which he attributed to the rise in Bangladeshi infiltration.

He further accused the Soren government of allowing the infiltrators to settle in the state for vote-bank politics, alleging that their names are being added to the voter list.

Chouhan also highlighted the impact of infiltration on the local population, particularly Hindus, saying that infiltrators are “grabbing” Indian land, marrying tribal women, and buying property in their names. He alleged that this is depriving local people of employment opportunities.

The issue of Bangladeshi infiltration has become a key talking point in the BJP’s campaign for the Assembly election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently raised the issue during a rally in Hazaribag, criticizing the Soren government. The matter gained further attention after the Jharkhand High Court last month ordered the formation of a fact-finding committee to identify infiltrators in the state.