Political Showdown in Jharkhand: BJP vs. JMM-Congress Alliance

Ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the JMM-Congress alliance, accusing them of negligence towards women and sowing division among communities. Modi emphasized the need for a BJP-led government to protect Jharkhand's cultural identity and promote unity.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a strong criticism against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, accusing the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government of sidelining women's welfare for over four years. Sarma alleged that just before the Assembly elections, the JMM initiated the Maiyan Samman Yojana at the expense of existing old-age pensions. He assured that a BJP government would provide Rs 2,500 for old-age pensions and Rs 2,100 under the Gogo Didi Yojana for women.

Amidst this political climate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took center stage by leading a roadshow in Ranchi and addressing rallies in Bokaro and Gumla. He accused the Congress and its allies of attempting to fragment the unity among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, emphasizing the critical need for a united Jharkhand. Modi highlighted that infiltrators pose a threat to the state's cultural identity and unity.

Throughout his engagements in Jharkhand, Modi criticized Congress for its historical 'divide and rule' policy, asserting that it benefited from Dalit disunity post-independence. The Prime Minister called for heightened vigilance against what he described as a conspiratorial alliance between JMM and Congress. The rallies concluded with Modi's roadshow in Ranchi, where he received significant public support, setting the stage for the upcoming Assembly elections on November 13 and 20, with results to be declared on November 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)