National Desk, 7th October: With Jharkhand preparing for the upcoming assembly elections, political tensions are escalating. Union Minister and BJP state in-charge Shivraj Singh Chouhan made a bold declaration on Monday, stating that if the BJP wins, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be implemented in the state. Chouhan accused the Hemant Soren-led government of supporting illegal immigrants, asserting that this poses a serious threat to Jharkhand’s culture and resources.
In an interview with ANI, Chouhan outlined the BJP’s stance, saying the issue is much bigger than a power struggle. “The upcoming election isn’t just about electing a Chief Minister or securing power. It’s about protecting Jharkhand,” he emphasized. Chouhan’s campaign slogan, centered on “Roti, Mati aur Beti” (livelihood, land, and daughters), reflects the party’s commitment to safeguarding local interests.
Chouhan expressed concerns over what he described as a growing demographic imbalance, blaming illegal immigration from Bangladesh for altering the state’s tribal population. “In areas like Santhal, the tribal population has drastically dropped from over 44% to 28%,” he warned, attributing the decline to an influx of immigrants. He argued that implementing the NRC would help identify legitimate residents and expel illegal immigrants from the state.
He further accused Chief Minister Hemant Soren of engaging in vote bank politics, alleging that the government is deliberately shielding infiltrators for electoral gains. According to Chouhan, the BJP, if elected, will prioritize the NRC to protect Jharkhand’s cultural identity and its resources.
The BJP also released its ‘Paanch Prana’ (Five Vows) manifesto on October 5, focusing on the welfare of youth and women. This move signals the party’s larger agenda for the elections, positioning the NRC as a key element in their campaign.
As political debates intensify, the NRC promise has become a pivotal issue in the run-up to the elections, likely to shape discussions in the weeks ahead.