'Everyone in Jharkhand to Get LPG Cylinder for Rs 450—Infiltrators or Not': BJP Slams Congress Over Poll Promise

In a fiery escalation of political rhetoric ahead of the Jharkhand elections, a statement by Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir has triggered a heated exchange between the Congress and the BJP. Addressing an election rally in Chandrapura, Bermo constituency, on November 14, Mir vowed to provide LPG cylinders at ₹450 for “all citizens of Jharkhand,” irrespective of their status, religion, or nationality—explicitly including “infiltrators.”

Congress’s Controversial Poll Promise

“We have promised that if our government is formed, we will provide gas cylinders at ₹450 from December 1. This will be for the general public—be they Hindu, Muslim, or infiltrators,” Mir stated, in what was meant to be a populist assurance to voters. However, the inclusion of the term “infiltrators” has sparked a political firestorm.

BJP Slams the Statement as “Anti-National”

Reacting sharply, BJP leaders accused Congress of appeasement politics, alleging that the promise highlights the party’s “pro-infiltrator” stance. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lambasted the Congress, stating, “It is shocking and anti-national for Congress to promise benefits to infiltrators who have entered our country illegally. This reveals the Congress-JMM-RJD coalition’s vote-bank politics.”

Chouhan further alleged that the ruling coalition in Jharkhand has facilitated infiltrators in acquiring voter IDs and ration cards, effectively undermining the rights of tribal and local populations.

Yogi Adityanath Joins the Criticism

Adding to the BJP’s critique, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused Congress of “robbing tribals of their rights.” Addressing a rally in Giridih, Adityanath said, “By promising LPG benefits to infiltrators, Congress is once again prioritizing illegal migrants over the legitimate residents of Jharkhand. The BJP will not allow this injustice.”

At another rally in Bokaro, Adityanath reiterated his point, emphasizing the BJP’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of tribals and exposing what he described as Congress’s “appeasement politics.”

Political Fallout Ahead of Phase Two Voting

The controversy has cast a shadow over the Congress-JMM-RJD coalition, with BJP intensifying its attack as the second phase of voting on November 20 approaches. The first phase, held on November 15, saw moderate voter turnout amid a heavily charged political atmosphere. Counting of votes is scheduled for November 23.

While Congress has not issued a clarification on Mir’s remarks, political analysts suggest that the party’s attempt to woo voters with subsidies may backfire due to the contentious inclusion of infiltrators in their promise.

The Broader Debate

The debate over infiltrators—often a euphemism for illegal migrants, particularly from neighboring Bangladesh—has been a polarizing issue in Jharkhand. The BJP has consistently accused the ruling coalition of turning a blind eye to infiltration for electoral gains. The Congress, in turn, accuses the BJP of divisive politics, arguing that their promises cater to all sections of society without discrimination.

What’s at Stake?

The Jharkhand Assembly elections are not merely about local governance but have become a battleground for larger ideological clashes between the BJP and the Congress-led coalition. For the BJP, safeguarding the rights of tribals and locals is a cornerstone of their campaign. For the Congress, addressing basic needs like LPG affordability is key to connecting with voters across demographic lines.