Chouhan slams state govt as ‘delusion, murder and mafia’ regime

In a fiery speech at a public meeting in Baharagora on Monday, Union Minister and BJP election in-charge for Jharkhand Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a scathing attack on the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government. Chouhan accused the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government of promoting criminality, corruption and lawlessness, and termed it a “Jurm, Murder, and Mafia” government.

Describing the current regime as a crisis for the state, Chouhan noted, “Just as heavy rain clouds bring temporary challenges, the Hemant Soren government represents a much more serious and long-lasting crisis for Jharkhand. This is not a JMM government, but a government of crime, murder and mafia activities.”

Chouhan expressed optimism about a political shift in the state and predicted that the “darkness” that prevailed under Soren’s rule would soon disappear. “Despite the rain and stormy weather, your determination to bring change is clear. The sun will rise, the lotus will bloom and a new dawn will come to Jharkhand,” he declared, rousing the crowd.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Chouhan spoke about the pressing concerns of the women of Jharkhand, who he said are calling for protection of their land, daughters and livelihood. He accused the present government of failing to protect these fundamental aspects, highlighting fears of foreign infiltration, rising crime rates and unemployment.

“The mothers, sisters and daughters of Jharkhand are asking for security. They say their land is under threat from outsiders, their daughters are unsafe and their livelihood, their jobs, are disappearing. I assure them that the BJP is committed to protecting the land of Jharkhand, ensuring jobs and protecting its daughters,” Chouhan said, promising that his party would take decisive steps to stop infiltration and increase employment.

The rally comes as the state prepares for the upcoming state assembly elections, which are expected to be held before the end of 2024. A delegation from the Election Commission of India, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, arrived in Ranchi earlier today to review preparations for the elections. The 81-member state legislative assembly is scheduled for elections with the term of the current government ending in January 2025.

In the last state assembly elections, the JMM won 30 seats while the BJP won 25 and the Congress 16, setting the stage for a fierce political battle later this year.