In the lead-up to Jharkhand assembly elections, BJP veteran and former CM Babulal Marandi spoke to TOI on key issues shaping the state’s political discourse. Excerpts:
BJP has emphasised the issue of alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh in regions like Santhal Pargana and Kolhan. Do you think it will impact the polls?
The demographic changes in Jharkhand, leading to the decline in tribal population, are alarming. From 1951 to 2011, we’ve seen a 10% decrease overall, and a 16% drop in Santhal Pargana.
This issue resonates deeply with tribal communities, since it affects not just their cultural identity but also their political and land rights. BJP stands firm as the protector of these rights. The opposition did not just fail to address the issue, it even challenged legal directives for investigation and that speaks volumes about their stance or lack thereof.
But opposition parties say it is another polarisation ploy of BJP, similar to slogans like ‘batenge to katenge’ and ‘ek hain to safe hain’.
The call for unity should not be misconstrued as polarisation. Unity among any community, be it for political, social or cultural reasons, is a fundamental right and necessity. BJP advocates unity not to divide but to strengthen our resolve against any form of external influence that could dilute our cultural fabric. The selective outrage towards Hindu unity while ignoring attempts to consolidate other communities, is a confirmation of double standards.
You were the first chief minister of Jharkhand. How do you assess the current situation in the state? Has the separation from Bihar helped the state?
Bifurcation has undeniably been advantageous for Jharkhand. It has brought about political empowerment and a focused approach to development. The state has seen significant infrastructural growth, which was severely lacking under the combined governance with Bihar. This has not only uplifted Jharkhand but also influenced development in surrounding regions.
BJP is contesting state polls under you for the first time. But you were out of the party for a long time. How has been the ‘ghar wapsi’ and are you in the race for the CM’s chair?
Returning to BJP was like coming back to family; despite my absence, the party embraced me with open arms. I was given significant responsibilities, reflecting the trust in me. My aim is to make BJP win, not to fulfil personal political ambitions.
BJP has accused the JMM-Congress alliance of corruption. Do you think it is a factor in polls?
Corruption is undoubtedly a central issue in these elections. People are tired of a govt riddled with corruption at every level. The electoral trend so far suggests a yearning for change, which corruption certainly seems to fuel.
The opposition says that CM Hemant Soren’s arrest was politically motivated. It might harm BJP, by rousing tribal sentiment in favour of Soren.
The arrest was based on corruption charges, not political vendetta. The evidence, including significant cash recoveries and financial irregularities, supports this.
Congress released its manifesto a day before the first phase of polls. Your reaction?
The timing and location of the manifesto’s release by Congress seem designed for maximum media attention and possibly to provoke BJP into a reaction. This strategic move, while within the legal bounds, breaches the norms of ethical campaigning, potentially exploiting the model code of conduct for political gains.