Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Leaders from across the political spectrum resorted to scathing attacks on opponents on the final day of campaigning for the phase one of Jharkhand Assembly elections. From accusations of infiltrator coddling to comparing MLAs to goats, the election campaign has been peppered with fiery statements.
Here’s a look at some of the most contentious remarks made in the run-up to the polls.
Mallikarjun Kharge: Modi keeps MLAs like goats, feeds them and later feasts on them
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched several attacks on Prime Minister Modi on Monday, accusing him of exploiting legislators for political gain.
“Modi keeps MLAs like goats, feeds them and later feasts on them,” he claimed, adding, “Modi, Shah, Adani, and Ambani are running the country, while Rahul Gandhi and I are trying to save the Constitution.”
Kharge also criticised Modi’s governance in Gujarat, questioning the promises of a “Golden era.” He further accused UP CM Yogi Adityanath of using language “like a terrorist.”
“Yogi should not befool people with saffron attire, needs to wear white (like other politicians), said the Cong chief.
Narendra Modi: They are snatching your roti, beti, and mati
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his campaign rallies, criticised the Jharkhand government for “sand smuggling” and alleged it has become “a slave of the mafia.” Modi claimed that the opposition parties, including the JMM, support Bangladeshi infiltrators to secure votes. He warned voters of the impact on the tribal community, saying the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance is a “threat to both national security and tribal welfare.”
Rahul Gandhi: The BJP wants to snatch ‘Jal, Jungle, Jameen’
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of trying to strip tribal communities of their rights to “Jal, Jungle, Jameen” (water, forest, land), calling it an agenda to serve capitalist interests. Gandhi also addressed caste-based reservation policies, promising to raise quotas for tribal, Dalit, and OBC communities if elected. Additionally, he emphasised the need for a caste census to ensure fair representation for disadvantaged groups in India’s institutional framework.
Amit Shah: We will prevent the transfer of land to infiltrators
Union home minister Amit Shah accused the Jharkhand government of failing the tribal community, alleging that land is being seized by infiltrators through “marriages with tribal women.” Shah vowed to introduce legislation to prevent land transfers to infiltrators and promised a committee to identify and expel them.
"Tribal population is declining in Jharkhand. Infiltrators are grabbing land by marrying our daughters. We will bring legislation to prevent transfer of land to infiltrators if they marry tribal women. We will also form a committee to identify infiltrators to drive them out and reclaim land grabbed by them," Shah said addressing a rally at Seraikela.
Yogi Adityanath: Jharkhand has become a dharmashala for Rohingyas
UP chief minister Adityanath accused the JMM-led government of turning Jharkhand into a “dharmashala” for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators. He warned, “If divided, we will be wiped out; if united, we will remain safe.”
Hemant Soren: Does BJP have an internal understanding with Bangladesh?
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren hit back at the BJP, questioning whether the party has an “internal understanding with Bangladesh.” He alleged that infiltrators entered through BJP-ruled states and challenged the party’s stance on national security. Soren criticised the BJP’s handling of border security issues, insinuating that their actions contradicted their public rhetoric.
