Ahead of the two-phase Jharkhand assembly elections, Congress leader Sachin Pilot launched a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He accused the ruling party of using divisive issues like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to sway voters, while neglecting crucial matters like agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial growth.
“BJP conveniently remembers the Uniform Civil Code, NRC, Ram Mandir, and other such topics just before elections, but where is their commitment to farmers, fertilizers, electricity, water, and development?†Pilot questioned while speaking to reporters in Jamshedpur. His remarks suggest that the Congress will position itself as a voice for Jharkhand’s pressing local needs, challenging BJP’s approach as merely symbolic.
Pilot continued his critique by pointing out that BJP’s recent electoral losses and the emergence of a coalition-based central government reflect public dissatisfaction. “You should ask for a vote on the basis of your work… The public also shattered the BJP’s slogan of ‘400 paar.’ Today, the central government is running on coalition support because the public didn’t give any party a clear mandate,†he emphasized.
Pilot also condemned the alleged discrimination against Jharkhand, citing that the state was deprived of adequate funds simply because it has a non-BJP-led government. “Jharkhand is a prime example of central government discrimination. The Centre has withheld funds, leaving the state under-resourced. This is intentional,†Pilot alleged. He expressed confidence in the INDIA alliance’s prospects in Jharkhand, predicting a victory in the upcoming elections.
The Congress leader also criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial “batenge toh katenge†remark, stating that such comments distract from real issues. “We should talk about development, people, and solutions, not resort to divisive rhetoric that only serves to divert attention,†Pilot said.
As Jharkhand’s 81-member assembly heads to the polls on November 13 and November 20, Pilot’s pointed remarks signal a combative approach from the Congress-led INDIA alliance. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 23.
