Bokaro (Jharkhand) [India], November 16 : Assam Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) co-in-charge for the Jharkhand elections, Himanta Biswa Sarma, held a roadshow in Bokaro on Saturday, expressing confidence that the BJP will secure victory in the polls.
CM Sarma highlighted that both Adivasis and Hindus are uniting to oust infiltrators from the state, thereby making it unlikely for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to return to power.
"This massive gathering makes it evident that change is imminent in Jharkhand. Whether Adivasis or Hindus, everyone is coming together to remove infiltrators. It is highly improbable that the JMM will come back to power. The lotus is set to bloom across the state," he stated.
The Assam Chief Minister also criticised the Jharkhand Police for allegedly conducting a politically motivated raid at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's accommodation.
"Jharkhand Police raided the premises where Union Home Minister Amit Shah was staying yesterday, but they found nothing. This act is politically motivated. The Ranchi SP will have to account for this in due course," Sarma remarked.
He further expressed optimism about the BJP's performance in the upcoming phase of the elections.
"The first phase of the elections went well, and the second phase will be even better. I am confident we will secure victories in Dhanbad, Santhal Pargana, and other regions. This time, we will form a government with a full majority," he added.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused the Congress and its allies in the INDIA bloc of attempting to reduce reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in favour of Muslims.
Speaking at an election rally, Shah emphasised that the Jharkhand assembly elections are crucial for the future of the state's women, youth, and backward communities.
"Rahul Baba and his allies aim to reduce reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs to allocate them to Muslims. Jharkhand has already reached its 50% cap on reservations. If reservations are to be given to Muslims, it would mean cutting from the quotas of SCs, STs, and OBCs. Rahul Baba, whose reservations will you cut--OBCs, Dalits, or tribals? I assure you that as long as we have even a single MP, we will not allow reservations for Muslims," Shah declared.
Voting for the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections concluded with polling held in 43 out of 81 assembly seats. Elections for the remaining 38 seats are scheduled for November 20.