Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy after Chief Minister Hemant Soren was allegedly delayed for over an hour in Chaiabasa, citing security concerns for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya revealed that the party had formally complained to President Droupadi Murmu, describing the incident as a serious security concern, as the area is known for Naxal activities and lacks mobile network coverage.
“We have written to the President, highlighting that Chief Minister Soren was made to wait for more than an hour under the pretext of PM’s security in a region with limited connectivity and heightened security risks. This, we believe, was an intentional act,” Bhattacharya said.
Poll Dates Amid Festivals in Jharkhand and UP Spark Controversy
Addressing the press at the party headquarters in Harmu, Bhattacharya raised questions over the election commission’s scheduling of Jharkhand Assembly elections on November 13, despite the state’s ongoing festival season. He contrasted this with Uttar Pradesh, where polls scheduled for November 13 were postponed to November 20 to respect the Kartik Purnima festival.
He criticized the BJP and election commission’s alignment, stating, “We informed the election commission about Jharkhand’s festivals extending until November 15, yet they ignored our request. In Uttar Pradesh, the poll date was changed, but in Jharkhand, our appeals went unheard. This double standard is unfair.”
Mixing Religion with Politics
Bhattacharya also commented on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya during his recent visit to Jharkhand. He criticized the BJP for intertwining religion with politics, stating, “When you blend religion with politics, the outcome is divisive and harmful.”
Allegations of Targeting the Chief Minister
The JMM alleged that the election commission shows favoritism towards the BJP while targeting JMM leaders. Bhattacharya pointed out that the upcoming elections coincide with important religious events, including Guru Nanak Jayanti and Chhath Puja, which may prevent many Jharkhand residents from participating in the polls.
“By scheduling the election on November 13, many people, especially those traveling home for Chhath and other festivals, could be deprived of their voting rights. This seems like a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters,” he added.
Bhattacharya also raised concerns over the repeated obstruction faced by Chief Minister Hemant Soren during his movements, questioning the BJP’s intentions towards Jharkhand’s tribal communities. “They claim to support the tribal community by appointing a tribal President, yet they continually hinder a tribal Chief Minister. Why is he being treated differently?” he concluded.
