As Jharkhand prepares for the upcoming election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerges as the most capable political force to guide the state toward a brighter future. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has been at the forefront of India’s development journey, with policies and initiatives that resonate deeply with the aspirations of Jharkhand’s people. With its focus on national transformation through the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Aatmnirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India), the BJP offers Jharkhand a path toward prosperity, good governance, and social stability. Now more than ever, Jharkhand needs the BJP to continue its progress on these fronts.
Prime Minister Modi’s development-oriented vision aligns seamlessly with the needs of Jharkhand. His push for a $5 trillion economy isn’t just a national agenda—it directly benefits states like Jharkhand, which are rich in resources and have tremendous potential for industrial growth. Modi’s focus on making India self-reliant can transform Jharkhand into a key player in the country’s industrial ecosystem. By utilizing Jharkhand’s natural wealth and investing in infrastructure, the BJP seeks to create jobs, boost local businesses, and improve the quality of life for all citizens. The opposition, in contrast, lacks such a comprehensive strategy for long-term economic growth, often focusing only on populist promises without concrete plans to address systemic issues.
One of the most critical concerns for voters in Jharkhand is the state of law and order. During previous BJP rule, Jharkhand saw notable improvements in public safety and security, a crucial area in which rival parties have struggled. The BJP’s tough stance on crime, combined with modernization efforts in law enforcement, has helped curb criminal activities, particularly in rural areas where illegal activities such as Maoist insurgency have previously caused turmoil.
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The safety of women is another priority that the BJP has taken seriously, as reflected in national schemes like Beti Padhao Beti Bachao, which have had a tangible impact in states across the country, including Jharkhand. Women’s security is a critical issue that resonates deeply with voters, and the BJP’s commitment to ensuring safety and dignity for women stands out when compared to other political parties, which often fail to prioritize this. The BJP has implemented strong measures, such as women-only police stations and enhanced vigilance in rural areas, to safeguard women from violence and exploitation. This commitment is reflected in national data, which shows a decline in crime rates in BJP-ruled states. Such efforts create a sense of trust and stability, which is essential for the development of any region.
Corruption has historically been one of the biggest impediments to Jharkhand’s growth. Past governments, particularly those led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress, have been marred by corruption scandals, with little being done to ensure transparency in governance. Under the leadership of Modi, the BJP has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. National schemes like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and the drive towards digitization through Digital India have ensured that public money reaches those who need it most, without being siphoned off by corrupt intermediaries. This stands in stark contrast to the track record of non-BJP governments, which have often been unable to control the misuse of public funds. The BJP’s focus on clean governance, efficiency, and accountability provides Jharkhand with the best chance to move past the corruption that has held it back for decades.
In the economic sphere, the BJP’s leadership has demonstrated that it understands the needs of Jharkhand’s youth. With a large portion of its population being young, the state is in desperate need of jobs and economic opportunities. National initiatives like Make in India and Skill India are directly geared towards empowering the youth by equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. Modi’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat involves a decentralized, state-focused model of development, ensuring that every region, including Jharkhand, benefits from targeted industrial and educational policies.
Unlike other political parties that offer vague promises around job creation, the BJP has laid out concrete plans to bring investment and industries back to Jharkhand. The revival of key industries, such as steel and mining, which form the backbone of Jharkhand’s economy, has been a core focus of the BJP. Additionally, by attracting private investment and improving infrastructure, the BJP has created an environment where businesses can flourish, further driving employment opportunities. Jharkhand cannot afford to revert to policies of economic stagnation that other parties have offered in the past, which failed to address the structural challenges hindering the state’s growth.
Good governance is the bedrock of the BJP’s approach, both nationally and at the state level. Jharkhand has made significant progress under BJP leadership in terms of infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. The construction of roads, electrification of villages, and the building of hospitals and schools have been some of the most visible signs of this commitment. Under Modi’s leadership, the BJP has ensured that central schemes such as Ayushman Bharat (for healthcare) and PM Awas Yojana (for affordable housing) reach the people of Jharkhand, offering them better living conditions and healthcare access. These are not just promises but realities that voters can see and experience in their daily lives.
Another pressing issue for Jharkhand is the protection of its forests and natural resources from exploitation. The BJP has taken a firm stand against mafias involved in illegal logging, mining, and land grabs—problems that have been exacerbated by the weak governance of previous administrations. By enforcing stricter environmental regulations and promoting sustainable development, the BJP is ensuring that Jharkhand’s natural wealth benefits its people rather than being plundered by criminal elements. This protection is especially vital for the state’s indigenous populations, who rely heavily on the forest for their livelihood and cultural heritage.
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Education, too, has seen substantial improvements under the BJP’s rule. Through national initiatives like samagra siksha, which ensures holistic education for all children, the BJP has worked to provide quality education even in the most remote parts of Jharkhand. Other parties have often focused on rhetoric rather than real reform when it comes to education. The BJP’s approach, by contrast, is to build infrastructure, provide teacher training, and ensure that all children, regardless of their economic background, have access to education.
In conclusion, the upcoming election in Jharkhand is not just about choosing a government but about choosing the future of the state. The BJP, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, offers a vision that is rooted in development, transparency, and opportunity for all. Unlike other parties that rely on short-term, populist measures, the BJP has consistently delivered on its promises, whether in the realm of law and order, economic growth, or social welfare. For Jharkhand to continue its progress and unlock its full potential, it needs the BJP—a party that not only understands the challenges but has the proven ability to overcome them. The choice is clear: with Modi’s leadership and the BJP’s governance, Jharkhand can march confidently toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
The contributor is a former expert on Mission to the UNHCR and Advocate Practicing in the Supreme Court of India.