In the leadup to the Jharkhand assembly elections, Assam CM, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has triggered quite a controversy by speaking up for a “demographic shift” in Jharkhand. Sarma himself, who is BJP’s co-in-charge in-charge for the elections being conducted in Jharkhand, alleged that in spite of the threats in large numbers of Bangladeshi infiltrators in their place, the cultural integrities and the distinctness of the region belonging to the tribals shall go into oblivion as in the case of “Mini Bangladesh.”
Assam CM: Issues regarding the cultural and demographic impact
Assam CM Sarma expressed deep concern over what he perceives as a cultural threat to Jharkhand’s tribal community, terming the infiltration an attack on “Adivasi Asmita” or tribal pride. He warned that if the trend continues, there could be a significant demographic shift, especially in areas like Santhal Pargana, a district with a substantial tribal population. According to Sarma, the rising Muslim population in these regions suggests a demographic shift that he attributed to unchecked infiltration.
He also attacked the ruling Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand, saying it had been allowing “intruders” into the state. He said the BJP would work on the removal of infiltrators from the region once they are elected to power.
Assam CM: Important Election Promises and Policies
Sarma stated three key promises dealing with infiltration issues for tribal communities. He said if the BJP is voted to power, they will:
Implement the NRC to detect and eliminate alien immigrants. Which would further help with Jharkhand with regard to alien immigrants residing within its boundary.
Under no circumstances shall the resulting progeny of the children of such unions be Scheduled Tribes,
Debar alien immigrants who are by and large also immigrants of foreign origin to hold headsman or tribal head offices,
This would exclude indirect rules through non-tribal immigrants.
These policies, as mentioned by Sarma, are reflective of the focus that the BJP has put into protecting tribal rights and would ensure the integrity and influence of the community in the region.
Attack on Opposition and Regional Influence
Assam CM Sarma also attacked opposition leaders, including Congress’s Jamtara candidate and Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari, whom he claimed to have disrupted the region. He threatened Ansari would be sent to behind the bar for allegedly issuing derogatory remarks against BJP leader Sita Soren. Sarma alleged the state government was protecting the political leaders. Whom he said were bad for tribal interests and also that the leadership of the likes of Ansari and Alamgir Alam. Had caused damage to the cultural ethos of Santhal Pargana.
Further, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has also echoed Sarma’s sentiments. He alleged that neither the Congress nor the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is really interested in the welfare of the tribals and are only doing “vote bank politics”.
Growing Population: A Concerning Trend
Assam CM Sarma said the growth of the Muslim population in Santhal Pargana cannot be attributed to natural births. He asked how it had risen so sharply and implied that it could be an infiltration-related issue. “I ignite fire against infiltrators,” he said, urging the people of Jharkhand to “set fire” to infiltrators and take back the land as a “golden land.”
The Upcoming Election and the Future of Jharkhand
As the voting will take place on November 13 and 20, Sarma’s comments have added a tense. There is a diverse tone to the political atmosphere as Jharkhand approaches its assembly elections. A total of 2.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes, with 11.84 lakh first-time voters. Control over 81 seats in the assembly will be determined, with the results set to be counted on November 23.
Issues like infiltration, tribal rights, and cultural preservation have largely driven the BJP campaign. Which is a strong stand on demographic concerns. Sarma’s appeal for strong measures to protect Jharkhand’s demographic character resonates with the larger political agenda of the BJP. Elections will prove to be a litmus test of how these issues resonate with the electorates.
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