Tribal to become minority if JMM comes to power: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Ranchi, July 17: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday claimed that the indigenous people of Jharkhand would become a minority if the JMM-led alliance returns to power.

If the JMM-led alliance is re-elected, Chouhan warned, the demographic balance of the state would shift due to infiltration from Bangladesh. He alleged that these infiltrators were marrying tribal women to acquire land, jeopardizing the native population.

Chouhan who is BJP in-charge for Jharkhand assembly polls criticized the Hemant Soren government, accusing it of widespread corruption and failing to deliver on its promises, including job creation and unemployment allowances for youth, and financial support for women.

He further alleged that the administration was involved in the illicit extraction of minerals and sand, claiming the extent of the plunder was so severe that several hills had vanished.

Chouhan, who is overseeing the BJP’s campaign in Jharkhand, also expressed concerns over the state’s deteriorating law and order situation, citing alarming crime statistics over the past four and a half years.

Citing NCRB data, he said that in the last four and a half years, 7,812 murders took place. 7,115 rapes took place during his government. 6,937 kidnappings took place in Jharkhand. There were 8,592 riots. There were 2,721 robberies. There were 485 robberies. And 2,73,261 crimes were committed against the government.

The minister concluded by asserting that only the BJP could rescue Jharkhand from its current plight and ensure its prosperity, negating the need for residents to migrate for better opportunities.

Incidentally, Jharkhand is scheduled for assembly polls later this year.