Ranchi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a poll rally in Jharkhand’s Baghmara on Tuesday, accused the Waqf Board of encroaching on land and emphasized the need for reforms within the body. Shah stated that the current legislation governing the Waqf Board should be amended, hinting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is committed to passing the necessary bill, despite opposition from Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
“The Waqf Board has a history of land grabs, affecting temples, farmers, and villagers,” Shah said, as quoted by PTI. “Tell me, aren’t changes needed in the Waqf Board?” he asked the crowd, who voiced their support for the proposed reforms.
Uniform Civil Code and Action on Infiltration
Shah also highlighted the BJP’s commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if voted to power, asserting that this measure is essential to prevent infiltration. He assured Jharkhand’s tribal population that they would be exempted from the UCC’s purview. “No one can stop the UCC’s implementation, which will help control illegal immigration in Jharkhand,” Shah emphasized.
Addressing Illegal Immigration
In a strong statement, Shah declared that if the BJP forms the government in Jharkhand, it would prioritize the deportation of illegal immigrants, vowing to send “trainloads of illegal immigrants back to Bangladesh.” He accused the Hemant Soren-led administration of turning infiltrators into a vote bank, promising stringent action against illegal immigration under a BJP-led government.
Economic Promises for Jharkhand’s Future
Amit Shah also laid out a vision to make Jharkhand one of the most prosperous states in India. He pledged to recover funds allegedly embezzled by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress, assuring the public that “every paisa looted by JMM-Congress leaders will be returned to Jharkhand’s treasury.”
Shah further outlined plans to boost the state’s economy by establishing mineral-based industries to create jobs locally, stating that the BJP would foster an environment where people no longer feel the need to migrate to other states.
Upcoming Assembly Elections
Jharkhand will go to the polls in two phases, on November 13 and 20, with the results set to be announced on November 23.
