In a controversial statement during an election rally on Thursday, November 14, AICC General Secretary and Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir promised subsidised gas cylinders for all citizens of the state at ₹450, irrespective of their citizenship or status. His remarks, made in Chandrapura during the Bermo constituency campaign, have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents.The controversial statementGhulam Ahmed Mir declared, If our government is formed, gas cylinders will be provided at ₹450 from December 1. This promise applies to all—be they Hindu, Muslim, or infiltrators. The pledge has stirred heated debates as the term infiltrators featured prominently in his statement, raising questions about the policys implications and inclusivity.BJP slams Congress over appeasement politicsThe BJP swiftly reacted, labelling the statement anti-national and accusing Congress of engaging in appeasement and polarisation tactics. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised the promise, alleging that the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance supports infiltrators for electoral gains. Congresss Ghulam Ahmed Mir has openly promised benefits to infiltrators. This is a blatant betrayal of the states tribal population, he said during a rally in Giridih.Allegations of infiltration and vote bank politicsThe BJP has also accused the ruling coalition in Jharkhand of facilitating voter and ration card distribution to infiltrators. At another campaign event in Bokaro, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised, The BJP will not let infiltrators take over the rights of tribals. Congresss promises are a threat to Jharkhands social harmony.With the second phase of voting scheduled for November 20 and the first phase completed on November 15, the political atmosphere in Jharkhand remains charged. Vote counting will take place on November 23, and the outcome may hinge on how voters perceive these controversial promises and counterclaims.
