On a recent visit to Ranchi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, participating in a conclave of BJP leaders, emphasized that enhancing Jharkhand’s development and uplifting the tribal communities remain the core focus of the BJP. Serving as the election co-in-charge for the party, Sarma’s agenda included pivotal discussions with fellow leaders on strategizing for the state’s impending assembly elections.
Sarma voiced the party’s dedication to propelling Jharkhand’s growth and improving the lives of its scheduled tribe populace. He criticized the lack of governance over the past five years, highlighting the increase in violence against women and tribal individuals during this time. He said the BJP’s forthcoming manifesto will detail their commitment and planned initiatives for the tribal communities over the next five years.
Regarding the recent bail granted to Hemant Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a key figure in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Sarma maintained that the BJP remains unconcerned with the legal comings and goings of opposition figures. Despite Soren’s legal troubles, Sarma expressed confidence in the BJP’s electoral prospects, referencing their performance in the Lok Sabha elections during Soren’s incarceration and projecting even greater success with his release.
The backdrop to Soren’s bail involves his acquittal by the state high court in a money laundering case, with the court finding no substantial evidence of guilt or future offence risk. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had previously arrested Soren on January 31 over allegations of illegal land acquisition.
During his brief stay in Jharkhand, Sarma’s itinerary includes engagements with significant tribal leaders and former political figures, underscoring the party’s outreach towards influential tribal constituencies. Sarma’s meetings extend across various party sectors, including women and youth wings, signalling a comprehensive campaign approach.
This trip marks Sarma’s second to Jharkhand as the BJP’s election co-incharge, following a previous visit with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to establish a strategic framework for the upcoming assembly elections, with Chouhan spearheading the BJP’s campaign efforts in the state.