Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the BJP’s Lok Sabha campaign in Jharkhand on Friday, taking aim at the ruling JMM-Congress-RJD coalition in the state over corruption, dynastic politics and minority appeasement.
He reiterated the NDA’s ambition to secure over 400 seats in the upcoming general elections.
Addressing a crowd of nearly 50,000 in Barwadda, near the coal hub of Dhanbad, Modi delivered a speech exceeding 29 minutes. He accused both the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which leads the state coalition, and the Congress of being the “biggest obstacles to development”, citing corruption, dynastic politics and appeasement as primary concerns.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and its ally AJSU secured 12 out of 14 seats
in Jharkhand.
“The situation in Jharkhand has deteriorated since the formation of the corrupt, dynastic government led by the JMM-Congress coalition. The meaning of JMM has become ‘jam kar ke khao’. ‘Rangdaari’ (extortion) is rampant, and appeasement has led to increased infiltration. JMM and Congress leaders are solely focused on filling their coffers,” said the Prime Minister.
Modi also remarked on recent discoveries of large sums of currency in Jharkhand, juxtaposing them with heaps of coal, in a thinly veiled reference to the substantial sums uncovered during I-T raids at the properties of Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu in Jharkhand and Odisha. He vowed to ensure the return of every penny looted from the masses.
Speaking about the inauguration of the electricity power plant in North Karanpura, Modi emphasised his commitment to development initiatives despite alleged obstructions from Opposition parties.
“I am addressing water issues, but the opposition bloc is obstructing progress... The Jal Jeevan Mission and housing for the poor are being hindered. Their vision is to deny people their rights,” said the Prime Minister.
The Jharkhand government has accused the Centre of withholding funds for the PM Awas Yojana, prompting the state to introduce the Abua Awas Yojana, offering three-room houses compared to the Centre’s two-room scheme.
“The JMM and the Congress view adivasis solely as a vote bank, hindering the progress of talented tribal individuals. Modi is committed to securing your future. Your well-being is my priority,” said Modi.
Reiterating his forecast of the NDA securing over 400 seats in the upcoming polls, he said: “The country believes in Modi’s guarantee.”
Earlier, in Sindri, the Prime Minister unveiled development projects worth more than Rs 35,700 crore, focusing on the fertiliser, rail, power and coal sectors. He inaugurated the Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd Sindri Fertiliser plant.
