Marandi Raises Alarm Over Infiltration, Demands NRC in Jharkhand

Jamshedpur: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi expressed serious concern on Monday over illegal infiltration in Jharkhand. He claimed that large-scale infiltration has triggered significant demographic changes across the state, which heavily hurts the tribal population.

Addressing journalists at the Jamshedpur Circuit House, Marandi stated that authorities must clarify citizenship statuses. He warned that if the situation continues unchecked, he will demand that the Central Government implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Jharkhand.

To highlight his concerns over demographic trends, Marandi cited census figures. He noted that the tribal population declined from 35.38% in 1951 to 26.20% in the 2011 Census. He fears that the upcoming census figures will reveal an even steeper decline.

Marandi explained that Bangladeshi infiltrators enter Jharkhand through West Bengal before dispersing to various parts of the country. He maintained that only the NRC can effectively identify and curb this illegal infiltration.

Launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Marandi alleged that corruption, crime, and loot have increased significantly under the current administration. He stated that the Opposition bears the responsibility to expose government shortcomings, but accused the ruling party of responding with mere rhetoric rather than concrete action.

Marandi further challenged the government to take action if it possesses any evidence against him, asserting that he has nothing to hide.

Turning his focus to the national stage, he targeted Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, alleging that they are misleading the public on citizenship and the NRC. Pointing to reports of security forces apprehending Bangladeshi nationals in West Bengal, he questioned border security and the movement of infiltrators.

Earlier in the day, BJP workers gave Marandi a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Circuit House. BJP District President Sanjeev Sinha led the reception, alongside several party leaders, including Trade Cell Convener Niraj Singh and former spokesperson Rajesh Shukla.

Marandi will participate in a BJP organizational meeting in Ghatshila later today as part of the party’s ongoing outreach and organizational activities in the region.