Jharkhand Politics: Amit Shah and Mallikarjun Kharge Clash Over Bangladesh Infiltration in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana

Dumka, November 16, 2024: In a heated political exchange on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge traded accusations regarding the issue of Bangladesh infiltration, as they addressed separate rallies in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region.

While addressing a BJP rally in Dumka, Amit Shah directly blamed the ruling alliance of Congress, JMM and RJD for being responsible for the influx of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants into Jharkhand. Meanwhile, 75 kilometers away in Jamtara, Mallikarjun Kharge raised questions at a Congress rally, demanding that the central government, led by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, explain what actions they have taken to prevent the infiltration.

Amit Shah’s Accusations and Legal Angle on Bangladesh Infiltration

Amit Shah alleged that the Jharkhand government, under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has failed to act against the infiltration despite a directive from the High Court to identify and remove Bangladeshi infiltrators from the electoral rolls. According to Amit Shah, Hemant Soren’s administration had even appealed the High Court order to the Supreme Court, ostensibly to shield these infiltrators, as they represent a significant vote bank for the state’s ruling parties.

“While Hemant Soren questions us, has he ever visited the Bangladesh border?” Shah asked, highlighting the challenges in monitoring the long, porous border marked by forests and rivers, areas that are difficult to fence. Amit Shah emphasized that the infiltrators cross these difficult terrains to enter the villages and he questioned how local authorities, including patwaris (revenue officers) and police, were unaware of their presence.

Mallikarjun Kharge’s Counterattack: Accountability on Central Government

In response to Amit Shah’s accusations, Mallikarjun Kharge voiced skepticism over the claims of infiltration. He criticized the Modi government for warning about the influx of infiltrators while failing to take concrete actions to address the situation. “If infiltration is happening, why is the Modi-Shah government not taking responsibility for it?” Kharge questioned, adding, “The central government is in power; what steps have they taken to stop this influx?”

Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks pointed to what he perceived as a lack of action from the center, even though the ruling party had long been vocal about the issue. His comments were aimed at holding the BJP accountable for the security and governance of the nation, including managing border control and preventing illegal immigration.

Political Repercussions and Public Sentiment in Jharkhand

This political clash over the issue of Bangladesh infiltration is likely to intensify in the lead-up to upcoming elections in Jharkhand. Both leaders used the issue as a strategic tool to mobilize their respective political bases, portraying the opposing party as either ineffectual or complicit in the infiltration problem.

Amit Shah’s statement that local officials were complicit in ignoring the infiltration raised concerns over governance and law enforcement, while Kharge’s counter-argument shifted the blame squarely onto the central government’s handling of national security issues, including border management.

As the political temperature rises in Jharkhand, the issue of infiltration is set to remain a focal point in the state’s electoral discourse. The contrasting narratives provided by Shah and Kharge will likely resonate with different sections of voters, setting the stage for further debate and scrutiny in the region’s political landscape.