Ahead of the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party strategically highlights issues like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the Ram Mandir only before elections. “Right before elections, BJP remembers issues like the UCC, NRC, Ram Mandir, and other such topics. But they don’t remember the farmers, fertilizers, electricity, water, industries, and other developmental issues,” Pilot remarked, taking aim at the BJP’s approach to campaigning.
Pilot urged that parties should seek votes based on their contributions to development rather than polarizing topics. “You should ask for a vote on the basis of your work,” he stated, asserting that the BJP’s central government had not received a clear mandate, instead relying on coalition support after the electorate “shattered the BJP’s ‘400 paar’ slogan.”
Pilot also accused the BJP-led central government of withholding funds from Jharkhand due to its non-BJP administration. He suggested that Jharkhand is a “prime example of discrimination” from the central government, alleging that the state has been intentionally deprived of funds. “The INDIA alliance will win the elections,” he added, voicing confidence in the alliance’s prospects.
When asked about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial remark, “batenge toh katenge,” Pilot criticized such rhetoric, advising that election campaigns should center on development rather than divisive statements. “Such things are said to divert people’s attention,” he said, emphasizing a focus on constructive issues.
Jharkhand’s 81-member legislative assembly will hold elections in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
