"We have to save the land of Sidho-Kanho and the Santhal people…”: Champai Soren Highlights the Issue of “Bangladeshi Infiltrators” as Jharkhand Votes in First Phase

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, now the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Saraikela Assembly seat, raised the issue of infiltration in the state during the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections on Wednesday. Speaking to the media after casting his vote, Soren emphasized the need to protect the “land of Sidho-Kanho and the Santhal tribe” from alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators.

"We have to save the land of Sidho-Kanho and the Santhal people from Bangladeshi infiltrators," Soren said. "There is no doubt that the BJP will form the next government in Jharkhand." Soren, who switched from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to the BJP, outlined key issues for his party, including the threat of infiltration, unemployment, and the state’s irrigation infrastructure. He also praised the BJP’s Gogo Didi Scheme, which promises Rs 2,100 per month to all women in Jharkhand. "It is very beneficial," he added.

Champai Soren swore in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand after Hemant Soren’s resignation and subsequent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. Hemant Soren took over from Champai Soren after he was released from jail on bail. Soon after, Champai Soren switched parties and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, and has been fielded as the candidate from the Saraikela Assembly seat.

Among the key candidates in the first phase of elections are Champai Soren in Saraikela, Congress’s Ajoy Kumar in Jamshedpur East, and BJP’s Geeta Koda in Jaganathpur. Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, is contesting against Congress leader Sona Ram Sinku. The JMM, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has nominated sitting Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji from Ranchi.

As of 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jharkhand recorded a voter turnout of 46% in the first phase of polling, which covers 43 out of the state's 81 constituencies. Voting will continue until 5 p.m., with arrangements in place to ensure security at sensitive booths. In total, over 200 companies of security forces have been deployed to maintain order during the elections, with additional measures at 950 sensitive polling booths in 31 constituencies. The first phase will conclude by 4 p.m. in these high-security areas. The second phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections will be held on November 20, and the results will be declared on November 23.​