In a sharp retort to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of “Pariwarwaad” or dynastic politics, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in the very practice it condemns. She claimed that the BJP had allocated tickets to 33 out of the 68 assembly seats it is contesting in Jharkhand to candidates from political families. This, Shrinate argued, undermines Modi’s remarks targeting opposition parties like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for fostering dynastic politics.
The BJP is fielding candidates in 68 of Jharkhand’s 81 assembly constituencies, reserving the remaining seats for its allies in the state. Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed an election rally in Garhwa, Jharkhand, where he accused the JMM, Congress, and RJD of prioritizing family interests over governance and public welfare. Shrinate, however, countered Modi’s remarks, suggesting that the BJP itself is steeped in the tradition of “Pariwarwaad.”
Speaking at a press conference, Shrinate stated, “The BJP in Jharkhand has given 33 out of 68 tickets to candidates from political families. This includes the spouse of former Union minister Arjun Munda, the daughter-in-law of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, and the son of Champai Soren.” She argued that such selections contradict the BJP’s frequent criticism of family-based politics in opposition parties and called Modi’s comments hypocritical.
Shrinate also highlighted what she claimed to be an unresolved financial issue affecting Jharkhand’s development. According to her, the central government has withheld approximately Rs 1.36 trillion owed to Jharkhand. Releasing these funds, she said, could have significantly boosted the state’s developmental efforts and improved public services. “The central government’s refusal to release Jharkhand’s dues has hampered progress in critical areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare,” she alleged.
Shrinate praised the achievements of the alliance government led by the JMM and Congress in Jharkhand, which she said had worked for the benefit of all sections of society. Presenting a “report card” on the state government’s accomplishments, she cited key welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting women, farmers, and low-income households.
One of the notable programs, the Maiyan Samman Yojana, is designed to provide financial support to women across Jharkhand. Currently, 57 lakh women receive Rs 1,000 per month under this scheme. Shrinate announced that if the alliance is re-elected, this amount would increase to Rs 2,500, enhancing financial security for women and their families.
Additionally, Shrinate spoke about the progress made in providing affordable electricity to the state’s residents. She claimed that around 42 lakh households benefit from 200 units of free electricity, a policy aimed at reducing the financial burden on low-income families. In the same vein, the alliance government has also waived outstanding electricity dues for these households, offering further financial relief.
The welfare initiatives, Shrinate said, extended beyond household assistance to support the agricultural community. Farm loans for approximately 4.5 lakh farmers have been waived, alleviating debt pressure on the state’s agrarian population and fostering rural economic stability.
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Looking forward, Shrinate noted that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would visit Jharkhand on Tuesday to present a comprehensive roadmap for the state’s future under the alliance government. She stated that Kharge would outline plans for enhancing infrastructure, expanding healthcare services, and further strengthening Jharkhand’s economy to meet the aspirations of its citizens.
The Congress spokesperson’s comments underscore the tension between the BJP and the Congress-led alliance as both sides attempt to sway voters in the run-up to the assembly elections. While Modi’s remarks in Garhwa targeted dynastic politics as a flaw exclusive to the opposition, Shrinate’s rebuttal aimed to paint the BJP as equally susceptible to family influence in its candidate selection process.
The outcome of the upcoming Jharkhand elections remains uncertain, but these exchanges highlight the ideological divides that are shaping the political landscape in the state. Both parties continue to champion their respective visions for Jharkhand’s future, with the BJP appealing to voters on a platform of nationalist governance and anti-dynasty sentiments, while the Congress-led alliance promotes welfare schemes and economic inclusivity as its core values. As the election campaign intensifies, the issue of “Pariwarwaad” is likely to remain a contentious topic among political leaders and the electorate alike.
