Bangladeshi, Rohingya infiltration major threat to Jharkhand: PM Modi

Ahead of the elections in Jharkhand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been ramping up the issue of Bangladeshi infiltrators changing the demography of the region and how the ruling JMM and the Congress are supporting this 'major threat' to the state.

On Sunday (September 15), Prime Minister Narendra Modi too played up this issue on his visit to the state. Attacking the ruling JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand, he blamed them for patronising Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration for vote bank politics.

Major threat

Addressing the 'Parivartan Maharally' of the BJP at Gopal Maidan in Jamshedpur, Modi emphasised that infiltrators from the neighbouring country are a major threat to Jharkhand as they are changing the demography of the Santhal Parganas and Kolhan regions of the state.

"Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators have become a major threat to Santhal Parganas and Kolhan regions. The demography of these regions is changing fast. The tribal population is on the decline. The infiltrators are establishing control of the panchayat system, grabbing land, indulging in atrocities on daughters of the state...Each Jharkhand resident is feeling unsafe," the prime minister added.

He also alleged that the JMM was "supporting infiltrators" and the fact was that "illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country managed to establish influence" over the ruling party in the state.

Vote bank politics

Modi termed the JMM, RJD and the Congress as the "biggest enemies of Jharkhand", asserting that these parties were "power-hungry" and "indulged in vote bank politics".

The PM also alleged, "The JMM-led government has been trained by Congress' school of corruption. It is time to bid farewell to the JMM that looted mines, minerals and Army land." Modi, who was scheduled to reach Jamshedpur via a chopper, had to travel to the steel city on the road as his helicopter could not take off due to inclement weather conditions.

"No obstacles, including heavy rain, could prevent me from reaching you, I am touched by your affection," he said.

He also asserted that the BJP is set to come to power in the state after the assembly polls due later this year.

"If the BJP comes to power, it will launch a probe into deaths of aspirants during excise constable recruitment drive," he said.

Modi accused the JMM-led coalition of targeting BJP leaders and framing false cases against them. 

(With inputs from agencies)