In the run-up to the Jharkhand Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its focus on the issue of "infiltration." Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during a rally in Ranchi on Friday, declared that “India is not an inn where anyone can settle,” emphasizing that “state-sponsored infiltration” poses a serious threat to Jharkhand.

Addressing the crowd, Chouhan accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition of providing protection to infiltrators, whom he claims are exploiting local resources and manipulating the state’s demographics. According to Chouhan, infiltrators have been settling in the state, allegedly marrying tribal women to gain social and economic footholds.

“This country is ours — our land, water, forests, rivers, mountains, and fields. We will not let anyone take them from us,” he declared, accusing the JMM-led alliance of viewing infiltrators as a vote bank. He alleged that the coalition has been assisting infiltrators in obtaining voter IDs, Aadhaar, and ration cards, causing the indigenous tribal population in regions like Santhal Pargana to decline significantly, from 44% to 28%.

Chouhan assured that if BJP comes to power, they would establish a citizenship register to identify and expel infiltrators. He also criticized the current government for its alleged mismanagement of the PM Awas Yojana, arguing that many women still lack access to proper housing.

Promises to Women Voters

Addressing women at a BJP event in East Singhbhum, Chouhan pledged that if elected, the BJP would provide women with permanent housing and increase monthly allowances for women to ₹2,100. He further alleged corruption in the "Har Ghar Nal Se Jal Yojana," claiming ₹5,000 crore in funds had been misappropriated.

Chouhan's statements reflect the BJP's commitment to prioritize national security, indigenous rights, and economic reforms for Jharkhand, while directly challenging the JMM's governance ahead of the elections.