THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Jan 10: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who resigned as the Governor of Odisha two weeks ago, officially rejoined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today. Das completed his online membership formalities at the party’s state office on Friday.
Speaking confidently and optimistically, Das declared, “We will come back soon.” Expressing his emotions through a poem, he said:
“The moment I waited for months… today your presence makes it special… after completing my responsibilities, your servant has come home.”
Das reaffirmed his faith in the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which currently governs in 16 states across the country. He stated, “The NDA government was formed for the third time under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. We will come back soon. January 10 is a historic day for me, as I rejoin BJP after 43 years. I last took membership in 1980. When I resigned from the party and handed over my membership to National President JP Nadda on October 26, 2023, it was an emotional moment. Today, I am filled with happiness as I return. I express my heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and state president Babulal Marandi.”
Also Read: Supreme Court halts GST Council’s action against 49 online gaming companies
BJP state president Babulal Marandi, working president Ravindra Rai, Organizational Secretary Karmveer Singh, and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth were present on the occasion, along with other party leaders.
“BJP Was Not Born Just for Power”
Raghubar Das reminded party workers about BJP’s core principles. He remarked, “BJP was not created just to attain power. It was born to lead the nation to its ultimate glory. Every BJP worker is a servant of the people, not someone seeking personal gains.”
“We Have a Long Journey Ahead”
Acknowledging the challenges of electoral politics, Das said, “Elections come with victories and defeats, but we must keep moving forward until we wipe the tears of the last person in society. There is still much work to do. We respect the mandate given by the people of Jharkhand.”
Message to the Coalition Government
Das also addressed Jharkhand’s coalition government, issuing a warning: “We will give you two to four months to fulfil the promises made to the people. If you fail to honour the mandate, BJP workers will hold you accountable, from the streets to the House. However, we will cooperate if the government works in the state’s interest and takes meaningful initiatives. But we will not hesitate to clash if necessary.”
“BJP Is My Mother”
In a press conference later, Das referred to the BJP as his “mother.” He said, “Today, I feel at peace after returning to my mother’s lap. BJP has always rewarded loyal workers. They made the son of a laborer like me the Chief Minister and Governor. Now, I have no personal ambitions. My sole goal is to save Jharkhand from anti-national forces.”
On Religious Conversion
Reiterating the BJP’s stance on religious conversions, Das said, “BJP respects all religions and sects, but we will not tolerate conversions driven by greed. Organizations like PFI (Popular Front of India) are becoming active again. Santhal Pargana is being targeted. While I was CM, my government banned PFI. If the current state government fails to act against infiltrators and illegal conversions, BJP will not remain silent.”
He also highlighted the importance of public awareness in democracy, urging BJP workers to dedicate themselves to the party’s growth and service.
Babulal Marandi Welcomes Das
State BJP President Babulal Marandi welcomed Das back to the party, saying, “This membership ceremony is a mere formality. Raghubar Das ji has always been an active party worker. Even during his tenure as Governor, he upheld BJP’s values, guided by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Antyodaya (uplifting the last person). He consistently prioritized the welfare of the poor, farmers, Dalits, tribals, and the underprivileged.”
Marandi also called on party workers to intensify the BJP’s membership drive, urging each worker to bring in at least 20 new members daily. He added, “Once the so-called honeymoon period of the coalition government is over, the BJP will remind them of their promises. If these promises remain unfulfilled, BJP will take to the streets to protest.”
Union Minister Sanjay Seth
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth praised Raghubar Das, saying, “Even during his tenure as Governor, his soul remained with the BJP. His return has energized party workers.”
State Vice President and Membership In-Charge Rakesh Prasad echoed these sentiments, saying, “Das’s return to active politics after 14 months will further strengthen the party.”
