PM Modi Accuses INDIA Bloc Of Dividing OBCs In Jharkhand; Shah Targets Coalition Over Infiltration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his criticism of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Congress alliance in Jharkhand on Sunday, accusing it of creating divisions within other backward classes (OBC).

"Beware of the Congress-JMM's malicious schemes and conspiracies. They are willing to go to any lengths to seize power. Congress has opposed unity among SC, ST, and OBC communities since Independence. As long as there was no unity, Congress continued to form governments at the Centre and exploited the nation," Modi stated at an election rally in Jharkhand's Bokaro, according to PTI.

Photo Credit: PTI

He added, "More than 125 sub-castes are recognised as OBCs in the Chotanagpur region. The Congress-JMM alliance seeks to break OBC unity by turning sub-castes against each other. I warn you, 'Stay united, and you'll remain safe.'"

Shah accuses JMM-led coalition of welcoming infiltrators

The Prime Minister's remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the JMM-led coalition had welcomed "Bangladeshi infiltrators."

"The JMM-led coalition has rolled out the red carpet for Bangladeshi infiltrators who settle in Jharkhand, seize tribal lands, take away youth employment opportunities, and engage in anti-national activities. Let the BJP come to power, and they will be deported - not a single person will be allowed to cross the border," Shah said at a rally in Potka in East Singhbhum district.

Shah also accused the Congress and JMM of spreading false claims that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would infringe on tribal rights, clarifying that the BJP would exempt tribals from the code.

The elections for Jharkhand's 81 assembly seats will take place in two phases, on November 13 and November 20.

In the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly elections, the JMM won 30 seats, the BJP 25, and Congress 16. In 2014, the BJP secured 37 seats, JMM won 19, and Congress managed only 6 seats.

(With PTI inputs)