Jharkhand: “Bangladeshi infiltration is a major issue in Santhal, we have to uproot infiltrators,” says Champai Soren

RANCHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Saraikela assembly constituency and former Chief Minister Champai Soren Monday exuded confidence about his party’s victory in the Jharkhand assembly elections and said that the BJP will get a majority.

Speaking to ANI, Champai Soren said, “We will win in Jharkhand with a majority… Bangladeshi infiltration is the biggest issue in Santhal Pargana, we have to uproot the infiltrators.”

Earlier today, Assam Chief Minister and BJP co-in-charge for Jharkhand elections Himanta Biswa Sarma said that campaigning has been good and the people want a double-engine government in the state.

Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We spent the last 4 months in Jharkhand. People are very excited for PM Modi. People want a double-engine Government. There should be development in Jharkhand and the ambitions & aspirations of the people be fulfilled – this is the major theme of the election. People are excited about that.”

He further said that he was confident that NDA would form a government in the state.

“People want the government to come, want action against infiltrators, the hopes of youth and women be fulfilled. I think we did good campaigning in the election. Our party, workers and allies worked together as a team. I am confident that NDA will form a government with full majority,” he further said.

JMM leader Manoj Pandey on Monday slammed the BJP and said that they are trying to mislead the people of Jharkhand.

Speaking to ANI, Pandey said, “Election Commission took cognizance, albeit late. Whatever is being done by the BJP is a sign of desperation. They are seeing that they are losing the elections badly. BJP is trying to mislead the people of Jharkhand. Jharkhandi people are with us, their love is with Hemant Soren… They posted edited and fabricated videos and news on their official social media handle…”

Notably, BJP has led a fierce campaign on the issue of illegal infiltration in the ongoing elections, emphasising that the tribal community of the state is facing an existential threat due to influx of illegal infiltrators, particularly in Santhal, the eastern most administrative division of the state.

The Jharkhand Assembly election is taking place in two phases. The first phase was held on November 13, and the second phase is scheduled for November 20. The counting of votes will occur on November 23, and the results will be declared on the same day. (With inputs from ANI)