by Ashis Sinha
Bokaro/ Chandankiyari: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a sharp critique of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress government, accusing it of divisive tactics aimed at weakening the unity of OBC (Other Backward Classes), SC (Scheduled Castes), and ST (Scheduled Tribes) communities. In a series of rallies across Jharkhand, Modi urged voters to remain united to ensure their safety and strength, particularly ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
During his address in Chandankyari, Bokaro district, Modi warned that the JMM-Congress alliance was attempting to create divisions within OBC communities by pitting smaller castes against larger ones, weakening their collective voice. “They want to break the unity of the OBCs, creating rifts to divide them into smaller factions. Do you want the OBC community to fall apart?” Modi questioned, emphasizing the importance of solidarity. “If we stay united, we will remain safe,” he added, using the slogan “Ek rahenge to safe rahenge” (We will be safe if we stay united).
He further accused the Congress of historically benefiting from a divided OBC electorate, but pointed out that since the OBCs united in the 1990s, Congress has struggled to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha. He claimed that the Congress has failed to win 250 seats in the lower house since the OBC Commission was established in 1985.
Modi specifically highlighted the situation in Bokaro, where there are 125 different OBC communities. He accused the Congress-JMM of attempting to turn them against each other to gain political advantage, stressing that such divisions would dilute their influence.
At the Chandankyari rally, where the constituency is reserved for Scheduled Castes, Modi invoked the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and criticized Congress for its alleged lack of regard for Dalits and OBCs. He also condemned the Congress’ proposal to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the party’s stance would jeopardize national security and reignite terrorism in the region.
Modi took another swipe at the JMM-Congress government over its governance of Jharkhand, accusing them of keeping the state backward. “While JMM-Congress has failed to develop Jharkhand, the BJP-NDA government has made the state a focal point for national development schemes,” he stated, reaffirming the BJP’s commitment to the state’s progress.
The Prime Minister also addressed issues of corruption, alleging that the JMM-Congress regime had allowed a “corruption mafia” to thrive. He vowed that a BJP-NDA government would take legal action to bring those responsible for corruption to justice.
On the issue of free electricity, a key promise by the JMM-Congress, Modi promised an alternative plan that would provide solar-powered electricity to households, with central government funding of Rs 75,000 to Rs 80,000 per household. He argued that the BJP’s proposal would ensure long-term sustainability compared to the empty promises of free electricity.
In another point of focus, Modi also touched upon the issue of illegal immigration, criticizing the opposition for their handling of the situation and promising action against “ghuspaithiyas” (illegal immigrants) in Jharkhand. He also highlighted his government’s efforts in revitalizing state industries, citing the revival of the Sindri Fertilizer plant, which provided thousands of jobs to local youth.
Concluding his remarks, Modi reiterated the BJP’s commitment to building a “united, developed Jharkhand” through its inclusive policies, contrasting them with the divisive tactics of the opposition.
The Prime Minister’s comments came as part of his ongoing campaign for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, with the BJP seeking to unseat the ruling JMM-Congress alliance and further strengthen its foothold in the state.
