In a spirited address in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal-dominated Jhabua district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to the welfare of tribal communities, contrasting it with what he claimed was the Congress party’s historical exploitation of tribals as a mere ‘vote bank.’
Accusing the Congress of neglecting tribal interests, PM Modi asserted, “Congress always treated tribals as a vote bank, while BJP worked for their welfare.” He outlined the BJP’s vision for the state, promising free education for girls from kindergarten to post-graduation and the establishment of medical colleges in tribal districts upon the formation of a BJP government.
Addressing the crowd, PM Modi asserted that the Congress, currently in power in Madhya Pradesh, prioritizes personal gains over public welfare. He contended that while the BJP focuses on initiatives benefiting tribal communities, the Congress leadership remains preoccupied with safeguarding their own interests.
“The atmosphere I am witnessing in Madhya Pradesh now indicates that the people will ensure the lotus will bloom, and the Congress is heading towards a significant and regrettable defeat,” declared PM Modi.
In a veiled critique, the Prime Minister accused Congress-led state governments of hindering his projects and impeding progress. He emphasized the advantages of a “double-engine government,” wherein both the central and state governments align for accelerated development.
PM Modi also lamented the history of underdevelopment in tribal areas, alleging that the Congress regime only paid lip service to the marginalized communities. “Congress leaders used to visit the huts of the poor, take photographs, and forget about their struggles once the pictures were taken,” he remarked, criticizing the practice of using impoverished children’s images for political gain.
Jhabua, a district with 3.13 lakh registered voters, holds significance as a reserved constituency for Scheduled Tribes. In the upcoming elections, BJP has nominated Bhanu Bhuria, while Congress has put forward Vikrant Bhuria, the state Youth Congress president and son of sitting MLA Kantilal Bhuria.
Reflecting on the previous elections in 2018, where BJP’s Guman Singh Damor triumphed over Vikrant Bhuria, PM Modi acknowledged the political dynamics. Damor later resigned from the assembly, leading to a by-election won by Kantilal Bhuria. The PM urged voters to consider the welfare of their state and expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects.
PM Modi concluded his address by recounting reports of starvation and malnutrition in tribal areas during Congress rule. He asserted that the BJP’s governance has focused on alleviating these challenges and vowed to continue working for the overall development of Madhya Pradesh.
As Madhya Pradesh braces for elections on November 17, with vote counting scheduled for December 3, the political landscape is poised for a potential shift. The state, having witnessed a recent political upheaval, will determine the future course of governance, with the BJP seeking to maintain its hold after the Congress government’s fall in 2020.
In a dynamic political scenario, PM Modi’s promises of educational empowerment for tribal girls signal a commitment to addressing longstanding issues and fostering inclusive development in Madhya Pradesh.