JMM Protests BJP MP’s Call for Union Territory Status Amid Infiltration Concerns

Ranchi, July 29, 2024 : The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) staged a protest outside the assembly on Monday, denouncing BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s recent remarks in the Lok Sabha. Dubey suggested that parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar be declared a Union Territory to combat infiltration from Bangladesh.

In his Lok Sabha address on July 25, Dubey proposed forming a Union Territory encompassing Malda and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts of Bihar, and the Santhal Parganas region of Jharkhand. He argued that the tribal population in Santhal Parganas is declining due to an influx of “Bangladeshi infiltrators.”

State minister Deepak Birua led the JMM protest, accusing the BJP of attempting to divide Jharkhand under the guise of addressing infiltration. “The BJP has made its intentions clear in Parliament. We will not allow the BJP to divide the state,” Birua asserted.

Meanwhile, BJP state president Babulal Marandi distanced the party from Dubey’s comments, describing them as his personal views. “The BJP has nothing to do with it,” Marandi told reporters.

Despite Marandi’s statement, BJP legislators held their own demonstration outside the assembly, accusing the ruling alliance led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren of shielding Bangladeshi infiltrators. BJP MLA Anant Ojha claimed that the tribal population in Santhal Parganas is dwindling and alleged that tribal students were attacked for planning a rally against infiltrators. The BJP lawmakers called for implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the region.

In a related controversy, the JMM sought to distance itself from Congress MLA Shilpi Neha Tirkey’s remarks about demographic changes in Jharkhand due to migration from Bihar. State minister Mithilesh Thakur emphasized, “The alliance has nothing to do with her statement. We are Jharkhandi by birth and heart.”