Marandi raises alarm over infiltration, demands NRC in Jharkhand

PNS

Jamshedpur 

Expressing serious concern over the issue of illegal infiltration in Jharkhand, Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister of the state, Babulal Marandi, on Monday claimed that large-scale infiltration has resulted in significant demographic changes across the state, adversely affecting the tribal population.

Addressing journalists at the Circuit House in Jamshedpur, Marandi said that the issue of citizenship status must be clarified and warned that if the situation continues unchecked, he would demand the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Jharkhand by the Central Government.

Highlighting concerns over demographic trends, Marandi cited census figures and said the tribal population, which stood at 35.38 percent in 1951, had declined to 26.20 percent by the 2011 Census. He expressed apprehension that the figures in the forthcoming census could reveal an even steeper decline.

According to him, Bangladeshi infiltrators are entering Jharkhand through West Bengal and subsequently dispersing to various parts of the country. He maintained that the NRC remains the only effective mechanism to identify and curb illegal infiltration.

Launching a sharp attack on the state government led by Hemant Soren, Marandi alleged that corruption, crime, and loot have increased significantly under the current administration. He said it is the responsibility of the Opposition to expose the shortcomings of the government, but accused the ruling dispensation of responding with rhetoric rather than concrete action.

Marandi further challenged the government to take action if it possesses any evidence against him, asserting that he has nothing to hide.

On the issue of citizenship and NRC, he also targeted Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, alleging that they are misleading the public. Referring to reports concerning Bangladeshi nationals apprehended in West Bengal, he raised questions about border security and the movement of infiltrators.

Earlier in the day, Marandi received a warm welcome from BJP workers upon his arrival at the Circuit House. The reception was led by BJP District President Sanjeev Sinha and attended by several party leaders, including Trade Cell Convener Niraj Singh and former spokesperson Rajesh Shukla.

Marandi is scheduled to participate in a BJP organizational meeting in Ghatshila on Monday as part of the party’s ongoing outreach and organizational activities in the region.