In a controversial statement during an election rally in Jharkhand, Congress leader and AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmed Mir promised subsidized LPG cylinders for all citizens, including “infiltrators,” if the party comes to power. The announcement, made on Thursday in Chandrapura, Bermo constituency, has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress of playing “appeasement politics.”
Speaking at the rally, Ghulam Ahmed Mir said, “We have promised that if our government is formed, we will provide gas cylinders at Rs 450 from December 1. This will be for the general public—be they Hindu, Muslim, or infiltrators—it will be given to all citizens of Jharkhand, with no other factors considered.”
BJP’s Fierce Reaction
The BJP has strongly condemned Congress’ promise, calling it “anti-national.” BJP leaders have accused the Congress of aligning with the JMM-led coalition to protect infiltrators for “vote bank politics.” Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized the Congress, stating, “Ghulam Ahmed Mir has said they will provide gas cylinders to infiltrators for Rs 450. This reflects Congress’ appeasement and polarisation tactics.”
Addressing a rally in Birni, Giridih district, Chouhan alleged that the current Congress-JMM-RJD government is shielding infiltrators, facilitating them with voter and ration cards. “Lakhs of infiltrators have entered Jharkhand under this government,” he said.
Yogi Adityanath Joins the Attack
Adding to the BJP’s criticism, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a rally in Bokaro, said, “The Congress in-charge has promised to give cylinders to Hindus, Muslims, and infiltrators. BJP will not allow infiltrators to take over the rights of tribals.” Yogi Adityanath emphasized BJP’s commitment to protecting the tribal population’s rights and accused Congress of endangering national interests.
Election Dynamics
The contentious remarks come ahead of the second phase of voting on November 20, following the first phase held on November 15. With vote counting scheduled for November 23, the issue has added to the heated political atmosphere in Jharkhand, where allegations of infiltration and vote bank politics dominate campaign narratives.
The BJP is expected to capitalize on the controversy as it continues its campaign, positioning itself as the defender of tribal rights and national security, while Congress pushes its promise of affordable LPG cylinders as a universal benefit for the state’s residents.
