Jharkhand Politics: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Accuses BJP of Attempting to Loot Jharkhand’s Water, Forests and Land

Ranchi/Jamtara, November 16, 2024: On Saturday, Mallikarjun Kharge, the National President of Congress, launched a verbal attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while addressing election rallies in Jharkhand’s Jamtara and Ranchi district, particularly in Khijri. He alleged that the BJP’s true intention behind forming a government in Jharkhand is to loot the state’s water, forests and land. Kharge asserted that the BJP neither cares for the state’s development nor for granting rights to the poor, Dalits, and backward communities in Jharkhand.

Kharge further emphasized that the Congress government had implemented several welfare programs for the disadvantaged, including the MGNREGA scheme, the Right to Education Act and the establishment of IITs and IIMs.

In contrast, Kharge accused the BJP government of attempting to strip away the rights of citizens. He reminded the public that India’s Constitution, drafted by leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru, is what enabled leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sold tea in his youth, to rise to power.

Likewise, Kharge, who hails from a modest background as the son of a meal laborer, reached his current position due to the constitutional rights enshrined by the Indian Constitution.

Kharge claimed that if the Constitution is undermined, the right to vote would also be jeopardized, as he accused the BJP of plotting to dismantle it. He also pointed out that the reservation rights for SCs, STs, and OBCs were a result of the struggles led by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Dr. Ambedkar, who fought for equality and justice.

Mallikarjun Kharge Slams BJP for Denying Jharkhand Its Due Share

Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP-led central government of denying Jharkhand its rightful share of funds. He mentioned that Chief Minister Hemant Soren had been seeking Jharkhand’s due share of ₹1.36 lakh crore but was met with actions from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax authorities. This, according to Kharge, is an attempt to intimidate the Jharkhand government and prevent it from pursuing the state’s rightful claims.

He stressed that the ₹1.36 lakh crore allocated to Jharkhand is crucial for the state’s development, especially for its poor, backward communities, and youth. According to Kharge, the central government is depriving the people of Jharkhand of their due entitlements, thus exacerbating their struggle.

Mallikarjun Kharge Accuses BJP of Suppressing Freedom of Expression

The Congress President also accused the BJP of conspiring to suppress freedom of expression. He stated that anyone who raises their voice against the BJP government faces the wrath of agencies like the ED and the CBI, which are used as tools to target opposition voices.

Kharge further accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics, claiming that the party aims to divide the country along Hindu-Muslim lines. He stated that BJP leaders, who once promised to bring an end to inflation, have shifted focus away from the issue as the cost of living continues to rise. He also remarked on the BJP’s failure to deliver on its promise to bring back black money from foreign banks, a promise that had been central to their electoral campaign.

Mallikarjun Kharge Highlights BJP’s Failed Promises and Congress’ Vision for Jharkhand

Mallikarjun Kharge did not hesitate to highlight the BJP’s unfulfilled promises, including their commitment to returning black money and providing two crore jobs annually. He described these promises as falsehoods, asserting that the BJP-led government has failed to deliver on their pledges. Kharge pointed out that the government’s promise to double farmers’ incomes had also proven to be a false narrative.

In contrast, Kharge outlined Congress’ plans for the future of Jharkhand if they form the government again. Under Congress leadership, the “Maiya Samman Yojana” would provide ₹2,500 per month to women and every poor household would receive LPG cylinders at ₹450 each. Furthermore, Congress would provide employment to 10 lakh people, offer health insurance up to ₹15 lakh and raise the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers from ₹2,400 to ₹3,200.

Mallikarjun Kharge’s Appeal to Voters

Mallikarjun Kharge concluded his speech by urging the people of Jharkhand to make an informed decision and not be swayed by the divisive politics of the BJP. He emphasized the importance of unity and reminded the electorate that it is only through collective effort and the protection of constitutional rights that the state can progress.

As the elections approach, the Congress is emphasizing its commitment to the welfare of Jharkhand’s citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities. Kharge’s statements underline the party’s focus on state autonomy, economic fairness, and social justice, contrasting it against the BJP’s national approach that Kharge claims has failed to meet the needs of Jharkhand’s population.