Sanjay Kumar Pandey
Ranchi EW Correspondent : Launching the Hazaribagh divisional phase of BJP’s Parivartan Yatra from Itkhori, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the current state government, claiming that Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants are settling in Jharkhand, building homes and acquiring documents without any intervention. He questioned why no action was being taken to stop this. Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the Parivartan Yatra under the leadership of Babulal Marandi would create a new chapter in Jharkhand’s history. He highlighted the immense potential for development in the state and remarked on his personal connection to Jharkhand, mentioning that his wife hails from the region. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that India’s stature has grown on the global stage, with the world listening to India now. Singh recalled how, during the Russia-Ukraine war, Modi’s efforts ensured the safe evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine. He also emphasized the “One Nation, One Election” initiative, which he believes will accelerate the country’s overall development. Union Minister Rajnath Singh further pointed out that, during Modi’s decade in office, 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line, and that the initiative to connect villages with paved roads, which was started by Atal Bihari Bajpayee, is being continued under Modi’s government. He stated that BJP’s goal is not just a change of government but a transformation of the system. He criticized the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), calling them the three speed breakers obstructing Jharkhand’s progress. He assured that if BJP comes to power, development would proceed with double the strength. Union Agriculture Minister and BJP’s Jharkhand election in-charge Shivraj Singh Chouhan also addressed the gathering, promising that if BJP is elected, the first task would be to restore the Bhadrakali Temple complex, a project halted by the Hemant Soren government. Former Chief Minister and state BJP President Babulal Marandi accused the current government of failing to fulfill any of its promises, including unemployment benefits, gold coins for newlyweds, and job guarantees. Babulal Marandi criticized the state’s internet shutdown, which he claimed was an attempt to block the promotion of the Parivartan Yatra, and declared that despite these efforts, the people of Jharkhand have decided to bring change and will no longer tolerate the Hemant Soren government. Before the rally, Rajnath Singh and Shivraj Singh Chouhan offered prayers at the Bhadrakali Temple and flagged off the Parivartan Yatra. Prominent leaders present at the event included Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, BJP State Secretary Karmveer Singh, MPs Kalicharan Singh and Manish Jaiswal, MLAs Kishun Das and Vinay Jaiswal, along with other district and state-level officials.