We want to build Jamshedpur airport but Jharkhand govt is creating obstacles: PM Modi

PM attacks INDI Alliance at Ghatshila Rally, says Congress created a record of loot

Jamshedpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday delivered a scathing critique of the INDI Alliance, specifically targeting the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), during an election rally at the Moubhandar Football Ground in Ghatshila, approximately 42 kilometers from Jamshedpur.

“Whenever the name Jharkhand is mentioned, what image comes to mind? Heaps of money. Hearing ‘Jharkhand’ brings to mind mountains of cash. This is the state where officers are in jail, and former chief ministers are suffering in prison. Congress and JMM have amassed black money,” the Prime Minister declared in his half-hour speech.

He continued, “Parties like Congress, JMM, and RJD have looted Jharkhand at every opportunity, and Congress is the mother of corruption.”

Modi accused Congress of being embroiled in numerous scams, including the infamous 2G and coal scams. “Congress created a record of loot,” he remarked.

He further alleged that both Congress and RJD have a history of seizing land from the poor under the pretense of providing jobs. “JMM learned the same habit and character from Congress and RJD,” he said, claiming JMM was involved in a land scam in Jharkhand. “The party grabbed land from poor people and tribals and even attempted to usurp army land,” he lamented.

The Prime Minister questioned the origin of the money recovered from the homes of corrupt leaders. “I ask you, whose money are these mountains of cash found in their homes? This is your children’s rightful money, isn’t it? This is your money, the money of innocent tribals, Dalits, and backward classes,” he asserted.

Modi revealed he is seeking legal advice to recover this money for the poor. “I am looking for ways to get the money back to the poor. I can guarantee this,” he said, receiving thunderous applause from the crowd.

Emphasizing the importance of industrialization, Modi stated, “The whole world knows that industry is essential for the country’s progress. Jamshedpur is named after industrialist Jamsetji N Tata, but Congress considers industrialists as the nation’s enemies.”

Addressing the audience as brothers and sisters, the Prime Minister said, “I want to discuss a serious topic today because I am standing in an industrial town and among my tribal brothers and sisters. I challenge the Congress and its allies, wherever they have a government, be it in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, or Himachal Pradesh. I challenge the chief ministers that in the coming days, they will fail to attract investments as Congress is opposed to industry and investments.”

Modi stressed that his remarks were neither political nor electoral statements. Addressing the long-pending airport project at Dhalbhumgarh, he said, “Our government wants to build an airport in Dhalbhumgarh, but the Jharkhand government is creating obstacles.”

He also mentioned the historical Kharsawan and Gua incidents, emphasizing the sacrifices made by tribals during the freedom struggle.

The Prime Minister urged the crowd to vote for BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahato, who is contesting the Jamshedpur Lok Sabha seat for a third term. Jamshedpur will go to the polls on May 25.

“By voting for Bidyut Baran Mahato, you will strengthen my hands,” Modi said. “Your vote will go directly to Modi. Meet as many people as possible, encourage them to vote, and strengthen Modi’s hand.”

Despite the hot and humid weather, the rally saw a significant turnout. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, state BJP chief Babulal Marandi, AJSU president Sudesh Mahto, and several senior BJP leaders attended the election rally.