Indian PM promises to free Jharkhand from graft

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed Jharkhand Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) booth workers in an interactive session under the ‘Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot’ initiative.

He said that while the state is rich in resources and potential, it has suffered due to corruption, mafia influence, and poor governance under the current regime.

Commending the BJP workers, PM said that their dedicated efforts were visible throughout the state, giving the Opposition sleepless nights.

“We must liberate Jharkhand from corruption, mafia influence, and ineffective governance,” he stated, adding that the role of booth workers is crucial in achieving this goal.

In his online interaction, Modi highlighted that while Jharkhand is resource-rich, its people remain impoverished due to rampant corruption and lack of development. Unemployment is at an all-time high, and infrastructure issues have stifled tourism, despite the state’s natural beauty, he said.

Narendra Modi waves to their supporters during a roadshow in Vadodara. File/Reuters

He said that Jharkhand needs a “double-engine government” to ensure rapid development, aligning with the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’

The prime minister encouraged BJP workers to focus on grassroots engagement and praising their dedication said that this would yield results.

He announced that he would visit the state again on Nov.13, the day of polling for the first phase of elections in the state.

During the interaction, a booth president Rajiv from Ranchi’s Chutia Mandal, spoke about the BJP’s election manifesto, particularly the ‘Gogo Didi’ scheme, which promises Rs2,000 per month to women, and the Yuva Sathi Allowance.

Praising the scheme Modi called it a testament to the manifesto’s strength. He also expressed pride in its appreciation by the national media.

Pankaj Mandal from Rajmahal also voiced optimism, sharing that BJP is expected to win in his region as youth discontent has grown due to paper leaks and unmet promises from the present coalition government.

Modi criticised the Congress, JMM, and RJD for making hollow promises over the past five years, contrasting this with the BJP’s track record of fulfilling commitments in states like Odisha.

He assured that the BJP, if elected in Jharkhand, would swiftly honour its promises.

Encouraging workers as elections approach, PM Modi advised them to engage with the public in small groups with enthusiasm.

“Make voting a celebration,” he urged, suggesting workers “vote first, then enjoy refreshments.”

He expressed confidence in the impact of the Gogo Didi scheme, noting that when funds go directly into women’s accounts, they are used effectively, which bolsters faith in the BJP’s governance.

Meanwhile, claiming that the countdown for Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s exit has begun, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday promised to set a committee in the state to identify and uproot “infiltrators” besides restoring the pride of tribal leader Champai Soren.

Addressing an election rally at Seraikella on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of voting in Jharkhand on Nov.13, the Home Minister said Champai Soren was insulted by Hemant Soren by removing him from the Chief Minister’s post but let me remind him, “Hemant Babu, your days are numbered as the countdown for your exit has begun.”

He also promised that the BJP would never allow the Congress to increase the Muslim quota, based on its Maharashtra model, and shrink the reservation for Jharkhand’s tribals, Dalits and OBCs.

“You tell me, should the reservation for these sections be allowed to be cut?” he asked the audience at the packed venue.

Seeking votes for Champai Soren and highlighting the alleged ill-treatment meted out to him by the scam-riddled JMM-Congress, HM Soren said he was humiliated for raising his voice against corruption and fighting for the rights of tribals.

While offering greetings to Champai Soren on his birthday, the BJP leader launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging that the two work only to enrich their supporters and make them crorepatis.

Indo-Asian News Service