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Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 6:37 am

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 6:37 am

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Jharkhand’s divisive strategy

Jharkhand's divisive strategy
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Modi has referred to the JMM-led coalition as a government of “infiltrators,” implying that illegal migrants from Bangladesh are seizing tribal territory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to win Jharkhand, whatever of the cost. His visit to the state on Monday, the first since the elections were declared, demonstrates his dedication to achieving his goals. He aims to avoid repeating the mistake made in 2019 when tribals overwhelmingly voted against the BJP, causing it to lose power. The party’s electoral manifesto promises to implement the Uniform Civil Code while maintaining tribal marriage rituals.

The BJP does not want to alienate the tribal minority, which accounts for approximately 26% of the population. The party has been rallying support under the name Birsa Munda, who fought both the British and “outsiders” who were displacing tribals. The BJP has used historical figures to gain popularity among indigenous groups.

Jharkhand was once a tribal-majority state, but foreigners have progressively pushed its indigenous people to the outskirts. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha took advantage of the BJP’s decision to appoint a non-tribal chief minister after gaining a majority in 2014. Tribals recall the BJP attempting to rename the state, which was once part of Bihar, as “Vananchal” instead of “Jharkhand,” but ultimately backing down due to tribal opposition. The party initially proposed the name Uttaranchal for Uttarakhand, but later changed its attitude due to opposition from individuals of various religious and caste backgrounds.

Modi may want to emulate the BJP’s tactic of rallying non-Jat castes in Jharkhand, as shown in the recent Haryana elections.
Modi referred to the JMM-led coalition as “infiltrators,” implying that illegal migrants from Bangladesh are seizing tribal territories. This slogan was first heard in Assam, however it has subsequently been proven that the infiltration was political rather than genuine. Bangladesh has greater living standards than both Assam and Jharkhand. Modi is aware that the Border Security Force and Indian Army closely monitor the India-Bangladesh border crossings. Despite this, he perpetuates the myth that infiltrators are harming native communities. In his appeal to non-tribals, he accuses the JMM of being anti-Hindu, either explicitly or implicitly. Although these approaches may gain votes, they do not reflect the status of a prime minister.

Dr. Abhishek Verma

 

 

 


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