With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren campaigned in Purulia on Saturday, addressing three rallies in Kashipur, Manbazar, and Bandwan in support of Trinamool Congress candidates. During his speeches, he strongly criticised the BJP and questioned the Election Commission's role.
He said, "It is not the BJP, but the Election Commission that is fighting Bengal's polls." Calling the election crucial, Soren added, "This is a very important election. That is why I have come from Jharkhand to stand beside Mamata Didi in Bengal."
Soren launches sharp attack on BJP
At the rallies, Soren criticised the BJP’s governance and policies. He said, "If you look at social media, you will see the condition of tribals, Dalits, women, and farmers in the country. Women have no respect. In several incidents of dishonour, names of BJP public representatives have come up."
He further alleged that divisive politics was being practised in BJP-ruled states. "Wherever there is a double-engine government, there is divisive politics. The BJP wants to inject poison into society," he said.
Soren also accused the BJP of manipulating elections. "They win by stealing votes," he claimed.
Also Read | Is I-PAC suspending campaign activity for TMC? Here's what the party responded to reports
Drawing a sharp comparison, he said, "In a country where the king is a trader, the subjects remain beggars. They have Ram's name on their lips, but a knife under their arm."
He also raised concerns about rising prices. "The way prices of essential commodities are rising, if the BJP remains in power, not even a grain will be available on the plate," he said.
Focus on tribal rights and welfare
The Jharkhand Chief Minister highlighted issues related to tribal communities. He alleged that forests were being destroyed and rights were being taken away. "With the support of the Centre, hills are being cut indiscriminately, and forest rights are being snatched away," he said.
He questioned the future of tribal communities, asking, "If tribals lose their rights over water, forests, and land, where will they go?"
Soren also praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's initiatives. "No one wipes the tears of the poor and marginalised. Only Mamata Didi is doing this work," he said.
Also Read | 'Will make them apologise': Abhishek Banerjee vows action after assault of woman, child in Sabang
He announced that similar welfare schemes for tribal development would be implemented in Jharkhand.
At all three rallies, Soren addressed the crowd in both Hindi and Santali. Tribal communities welcomed him with traditional dhamsa-madal performances.
The rallies reflected increasing political activity in the tribal belt of Purulia, with parties intensifying outreach efforts ahead of polling.
