This was published, edited, here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took on Jharkhand Chief Minister head-on today, addressing rallies in both constituencies where Hemant Soren is contesting from.
It was a tacit acknowledgement that Hemant Soren, a first-time MLA, has grown big enough to warrant the BJP's undivided attention. The BJP needs to improve its tally of two seats in the 16 constituencies that go the boiths as part of the last phase on December 20. For this, it needs to weaken the JMM, which holds 10 seats of the 16.
Modi addressed rallies within Dumka and Barhait constituencies. Speaking at the Dumka airport in a speech that lasted about 35 minutes, Modi pulled a few punches against Hemant Soren, using the baap-bete reference only once in the JMM stronghold which is currently the CM's constituency. At Barhait, where Hemant is going up against JMM defector Hemlal Murmu, the PM was more combative: "This baap-bete will not let anyone get ahead." This has become a strategy of Modi: attack an individual anywhere but his stronghold; the PM probably understands unrestrained attacks could have a backlash among people of the area.
The strategy of the PM going to the two constituencies could backfire if Hemant manages to win both. "We are willing to take that chance. The important thing is to show now that we are not afraid," said a member of the BJP's campaign team at the state headquarters.
At Dumka, Modi said in passing that, ".... none of you have got anything, but the baap-bete's coffers have been filled." He seemed to be cautious of treading a fine line when criticising the Sorens: "If a child commits an error, will his mother reward him with a laddoo? Won't the mother punish to correct the child?" Modi then went on to suggest that the voters should punish the Sorens. "Even if you like them, you should vote for the BJP to punish them.... Punish them now so that they will be of use to you five years later."
Modi campaigned for nine candidates, including one of the LJP, at Dumka. Upon arrival at 12 PM, when Dumka candidate Louis Marandi bowed in welcome after gifting him a traditional Santhali shawl, Modi too bowed. Later, the PM began his speech with a greeting in Santhali language even as he performed the Johar, clutching the right elbow and touching the forehead with a clenched right first. The district administration had planned for a crowd of 50,000; over a lakh turned up according to a source with access to the SPG's assessment.
Even though adivasis in the crowd were far outnumbered, Modi made it a point to talk about them extensively. "I am willing to give my life for the welfare of my poor adivasis," the PM said. The BJP is seeking to bring together the adivasis into its vote base of Santhal Pargana's "outsiders" in order to breach the JMM stronghold. ".... They (Opposition) tell adivasis that Modi government will take away your land. I tell you, there is no one in this country who can take away the rights of the adivasis," Modi said.
Modi said that adivasis in various states had repeatedly elected BJP governments. "BJP governments have given away the maximum land titles," he said. However, Modi's proclamations on adivasis received lukewarm response from the audience. On the other hand, when the PM mentioned jobs and unemployment for all, the crowd cheered as one.
Modi said adivasis had not asked for government bungalows, official vehicles and gold. Instead, they want only water, education and medicines. "Should the government not give all this? If they could not do all this, what were they doing?" Modi asked, signalling a digging action with his hands. "Loot! They have looted with both hands. You have blessed me to end this loot," Modi said, adding that he was a chowkidar in Delhi.
No comments:
Post a Comment