CM Hemant Soren declares no UCC or NRC in Jharkhand, criticizes BJP at Garhwa rally

Chief Minister Hemant Soren delivered an address at an election rally in Garhwa on Sunday, firmly stating that neither the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) nor the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be implemented in Jharkhand. He highlighted the crucial role of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT), emphasizing that these laws are essential for protecting the rights and livelihoods of indigenous and tribal communities.

Soren, while campaigning for Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Mithilesh Kumar Thakur, criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as an exploitative approach toward Jharkhand’s resources. He claimed that the BJP aims to undermine the interests of local communities in favor of corporate interests, particularly in the mining sector. Soren pointed out that the central government owes Jharkhand ₹1.36 lakh crore in dues, money he argued should be allocated to improve infrastructure and social welfare for the state’s residents. He expressed concern that the central government is neglecting its responsibilities toward Jharkhand and its people.

In addition to addressing economic issues, Soren provided details about the processes for job appointments made through the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examinations. He mentioned that the state government has been proactive in investigating any allegations of irregularities in these appointments. Soren assured the public that any individuals identified as having engaged in fraudulent activities would face legal consequences after the elections, aiming to reinforce trust in the recruitment processes under his administration.

Soren also tackled the sensitive issue of Naxalism in Jharkhand, referencing the central government's claims about eradicating this problem. He questioned the credibility of these statements, especially given the complexities involved in security and governance in the region. Furthermore, he addressed concerns related to illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh, calling for clear policies and effective border security measures to address these challenges. Soren emphasized that initiatives like the Mayya Samman Yojana, which provides financial aid to households, are intended to support all communities in Jharkhand, aiming for social equity and inclusion in state benefits.