BJP leader Sita Soren, overcome with emotion, broke down after Congress leader Irfan Ansari’s harsh words. Labeling her a “rejected” and “borrowed” candidate, Ansari’s remarks sparked outrage. In a powerful response, Soren announced that the tribal community had made a bold decision: Ansari is now barred from setting foot in their villages.
Candidates and Tensions in Jamtara
Soren, representing the BJP, is running for the Jamtara seat in the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections. Meanwhile, her opponent is Congress’s Irfan Ansari, the INDIA bloc candidate. Notably, Soren’s late husband, Durga Soren, played a crucial role in Jharkhand’s movement for statehood. Reflecting on his legacy, she questioned, “Can such remarks be made against me, just because my husband is no more?”
Soren Demands Accountability from the INDIA Bloc
During a media interaction on Sunday, Soren expressed her pain and frustration. “I will not forgive him. Does he not know who I am, whose wife I am, and which house I belong to?” she asked. Furthermore, she urged the INDIA bloc to take responsibility for Ansari’s words, adding that his position as a minister should come with discipline.
Tribal Community Bans Ansari from Villages
Soren further revealed that her community has barred Ansari from Adivasi villages. “Our community has decided he will not be allowed to enter Adivasi villages,” she said. Shortly after, she broke into tears, and several women consoled her.
BJP Files Election Commission Complaint; FIR Registered
The BJP subsequently filed a complaint with the Election Commission, requesting action against Ansari. Soren expressed her confusion, saying, “I am unable to understand where he gets the courage to make such statements.” In response to the complaint, Jharkhand’s Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Neha Arora, confirmed an FIR had been registered against Ansari.
Other Leaders Condemn Ansari’s Comments
Additionally, Union Minister Annapurna Devi criticized Ansari’s statement, stating it reflects the mentality of the Congress party. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also BJP’s co-incharge of the Jharkhand elections, condemned Chief Minister Hemant Soren for not taking action against Ansari. “Adivasi dignity is nothing for CM Soren,” Sarma remarked, adding that voters would remember this in the elections.
BJP’s Alliances and Jharkhand Election Schedule
For the Jharkhand elections, the BJP has allied with AJSU, JD(U), and LJP. The BJP will contest 68 seats, AJSU 10, JD(U) two, and LJP one. Jharkhand’s 81 assembly seats will be contested in two phases, on November 13 and November 20, with results expected on November 23.