The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Jharkhand): On Sunday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren refuted allegations from the BJP that the JMM-led coalition government was harboring infiltrators, emphasizing that border security is a central government responsibility. In a post on X, he questioned the BJP’s claims of cross-border infiltration affecting the state’s demographics.
He remarked, “BJP leaders allege that infiltrators are coming to Jharkhand and changing the demography. Where are these intruders coming from? And when did the Jharkhand government receive the responsibility of guarding the international border?” Soren further challenged the opposition by asking why borders haven’t been “sealed,” pointing out that ration cards require Aadhaar and that Aadhaar issuance falls under central jurisdiction.
Soren criticized the BJP for not safeguarding the border effectively and stressed that citizenship matters are within the central government’s domain. He blamed the central government for inconsistencies in this process.
The BJP had previously accused the ruling JMM-Congress coalition of changing the demography of Santhal Parganas through cross-border infiltration. In an election rally on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the coalition of favoring infiltrators and exploiting tribal lands. He claimed this has led to a drop in the tribal population and increased insecurity for women.
Modi also accused the JMM-Congress government of corruption in mining, sand, and liquor and alleged that they were plundering the state’s mineral resources.
Addressing a booth-level meeting of JMM workers at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Karandih, Soren pointed to the enthusiasm of party workers, signaling a shift in the electoral climate. He noted that MPs from the state have neglected the people’s aspirations and would be held accountable in this election.
