THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Deoghar, Nov 15: Union Agriculture Minister and Jharkhand Assembly Election In-charge Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a press conference in Deoghar on Friday. He also participated in a roadshow in support of NDA candidate Azhar Islam from the Pakur Assembly seat and addressed a massive public gathering in support of BJP candidate Babudhan Murmu from the Littipara Assembly constituency.
During the event, Shivraj Singh Chouhan extended greetings on Jharkhand Foundation Day and the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He remarked, “This sacred land of Jharkhand is the land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Baba Tilka Manjhi, Veer Telanga Khadiya, and Veer Budhu Bhagat. These immortal freedom fighters have always fought to protect the water, forests, land, tribal identity, soil, and livelihood of this region. The sacred soil, for which Bhagwan Birsa Munda made the ultimate sacrifice, is once again in danger today.”
He said, “Illegal infiltrators are encroaching on the water, land, and forests of our tribal brothers and sisters. The honour of our daughters and sisters is under threat. This election is no ordinary one; it is not just about gaining power. The soil, honour, and livelihood of Jharkhand are at stake in this election, and only the Bharatiya Janata Party can ensure their safety.”
Infiltrators to get gas cylinders for ₹450, Congress must answer
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan remarked that Congress’s Jharkhand in-charge, Ghulam Ahmed Mir, has stated that if Congress comes to power, infiltrators will be provided gas cylinders for ₹450. Chouhan questioned, “When the BJP raises the issue of infiltrators, Congress and JMM accuse us of making it a political issue. Yet, their state in-charge openly claims they will provide gas cylinders to infiltrators at ₹450. This statement reveals two things: first, that infiltrators exist in Jharkhand, and second, that infiltrators are the vote bank of Congress and JMM. To secure these votes, they are ready to offer them gas cylinders at subsidized rates.”
Chouhan expressed surprise that no Congress or JMM leader has so far refuted Ghulam Ahmed Mir’s statement. He demanded answers from Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, asking, “Do they agree with their leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir’s statement? Is supporting illegal infiltrators part of Congress’s agenda? Do infiltrators have a right to Jharkhand’s resources? Is Congress and JMM’s alliance with infiltrators, who usurp tribal lands and endanger the dignity of women and daughters, driven by the greed for power?”
He further questioned, “Will JMM and Congress mortgage Jharkhand’s soil, honor, and livelihood to illegal infiltrators in their quest for power? Has the INDIA alliance made a deal with infiltrators in exchange for votes? JMM and Congress must answer, as the people of Jharkhand demand accountability.”
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Demographic shift in Santhal Pargana
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the significant demographic changes in Santhal Pargana, stating, “Look at the current situation in Santhal Pargana; the demographic composition has drastically changed. Tribals, who once formed the majority, are now a minority. The soil, daughters, and livelihood for which Bhagwan Birsa Munda initiated the *Ulgulan* revolution are now under the control of infiltrators.”
He pointed out that the tribal population in Santhal Pargana, which was once 44%, has officially declined to 28%. In Pakur, tribals have become a minority, with two-thirds of the population now being others. Villages like Santali Tola in Zikr Hatti and Mal Paharia in Pakur no longer have a single tribal resident. Chouhan questioned, “Where have the native landowners and tribals of these villages gone? Who now occupies their homes and lands?”
He further added that even Bhognadih, the birthplace of the heroic Sidho and Kanhu, has witnessed a sharp decline in its tribal population. “The village now has only 500 tribals left, while the population of infiltrators has exceeded 1,500. In the Pakur Assembly constituency, only 12 to 13% of the population comprises tribals,” he said.
Chouhan also alleged that in Bhognadih, the heroic land of Santhal Pargana, several permanent houses now display the JMM flag, with many of these houses belonging to Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Bangladeshi infiltrators sheltered in Madrasas
The Union Minister accused the JMM government of protecting infiltrators while claiming to safeguard tribal interests. He stated, “The intelligence department’s reports indicate that Bangladeshi infiltrators are continuously entering the state and being sheltered in madrasas. Their names are then added to voter lists, and they are issued Aadhaar and ration cards. This is because JMM and Congress view these infiltrators as their vote bank.”
Chouhan further alleged that foreign infiltrators are seizing tribal lands, violating the dignity of women, and disrupting the social fabric of tribal communities. “These infiltrators are trapping our daughters, like Rubika Paharia and Ankita Singh, in deceptive relationships, marrying them, purchasing land in their names, and gaining control over local panchayats. Not only this, but they are also committing heinous crimes, including brutal murders of daughters. If this is not ‘Love Jihad,’ then what is it?” he questioned.
He emphasized that protecting Jharkhand’s soil, daughters, and livelihoods is the BJP’s commitment. “As soon as the BJP forms the government in Jharkhand, infiltrators will be identified and deported. Additionally, laws will be enacted to ensure the return of tribal lands to their rightful owners,” Chouhan asserted.
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INDI Alliance’s ideology is anti-national
Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused Congress, JMM, and the INDI Alliance of having an anti-national ideology. He stated, “Leaders of the INDI Alliance have consistently supported anti-India elements. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once held talks at the Prime Minister’s residence with Yasin Malik, the head of the JKLF terrorist organization. Later, Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by the court for the murder of Air Force personnel.”
Referring to the Congress’ reaction during key national security events, Chouhan said, “When there were terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes, Congress and INDI Alliance leaders demanded evidence of the strikes. How can a party that questions the bravery of our soldiers claim to be patriotic?”
He further criticized Rahul Gandhi’s political advisor Sam Pitroda for remarks downplaying terrorist attacks. “Pitroda said such attacks happen, and questioned why the entire Pakistan should be punished for the actions of a few terrorists. His love for Pakistan becomes evident in such statements,” Chouhan remarked.
He emphasized that these examples clearly show Congress’s history of supporting such activities. “It is crucial to remain vigilant against parties like Congress and JMM,” Chouhan warned.
Every sister will become self-reliant
Chouhan accused Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren of betraying women in the state. He stated, “Five years ago, Soren promised to provide women ₹2,000 per month as household expenses, but in 4 years and 10 months, nothing was delivered. As elections approach, ₹1,000 has been deposited in their accounts. If ₹2,000 per month is calculated, it amounts to ₹24,000 annually and ₹1,20,000 over five years. However, women have only received ₹2,000, meaning Soren has deprived them of ₹1,18,000 that was rightfully theirs.”
Highlighting BJP’s efforts, Chouhan said, “We initiated the ‘Ladli Behna Yojana’ in Madhya Pradesh, where monthly payments are being deposited into women’s accounts. Similarly, in states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Assam, and Odisha, women are receiving honorariums under various schemes.”
He further announced, “If the BJP forms the government in Jharkhand, women will receive ₹2,100 per month under the ‘Gogo Didi Yojana’ starting that very month. Additionally, cooking gas cylinders will be provided at ₹500, and women will get two free cylinders during festivals.”
Chouhan emphasized that women’s empowerment remains a commitment of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Justice for Jharkhand’s youth
Shivraj Singh Chouhan further criticized Chief Minister Hemant Soren, stating, “Five years ago, Soren promised 5 lakh government jobs, but the youth were left with nothing but disappointment. He also pledged an unemployment allowance of ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per month, yet neither jobs nor the allowance materialized. During the recruitment for Excise Constables, young aspirants were pushed to such limits that some lost their lives. Additionally, paper leaks have jeopardized the future of countless students.”
Chouhan assured that a BJP-led government would thoroughly investigate the paper leak and constable recruitment scandals, ensuring that the culprits are sent to jail. He declared, “Justice will be delivered to the youth of Jharkhand. Once the BJP forms the government, the first Cabinet meeting will approve the filling of 2.87 lakh vacant government positions. A detailed calendar will be prepared to specify dates for exams, results, and appointment letter distribution.”
He also announced financial support for job preparation, saying, “Graduate and postgraduate youths will receive ₹2,000 per month for two years to prepare for better jobs, reducing the financial burden on their parents and enabling them to secure meaningful employment.”
