Reality Check: BJP's 'Mila Kya' Campaign Questions Hemant Soren's Governance In Jharkhand

As Jharkhand prepares for its upcoming assembly elections, the political discourse has intensified with the BJP launching a critical campaign under the banner "Mila Kya" (What Was Achieved).

This campaign scrutinises the performance of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, focusing on the gap between the promises made and the outcomes achieved during his tenure.

The Essence of 'Mila Kya'

The BJP's 'Mila Kya' campaign seeks to assess and expose the disparity between the electoral promises made by the JMM government and the actual results delivered. By focusing on this theme, the BJP aims to question the efficacy of the current administration and highlight areas where expectations have not been met.

The campaign is structured around evaluating several key promises made by Soren and his government, examining whether these commitments have been fulfilled or remain unmet.

Key Areas of Focus in the 'Mila Kya' Campaign

Employment for Youth: A significant promise was to provide 1 lakh jobs for the youth within the first year of Soren's government. The BJP highlights that this commitment remains largely unfulfilled, with many young people still facing unemployment. This aspect of the campaign aims to underline the lack of substantial job creation and the impact on the youth's prospects.

Farm Loan Waiver: Soren's promise of waiving farm loans up to ₹2 lakh is another focal point. The BJP emphasizes that the actual relief provided has been limited to ₹50,000, questioning the sincerity of the government's commitment to alleviating the financial burden on farmers.

Soren's promise of waiving farm loans up to ₹2 lakh is another focal point.

Free Education and Healthcare: The campaign also targets the promise of providing free education and healthcare for all. The BJP argues that while some initiatives have been launched, they fall short of the comprehensive coverage promised. This point is used to critique the government's failure to address fundamental needs effectively.

Industrial Development: The promise to boost industrial development and attract major industries to Jharkhand has seen minimal progress. The BJP uses this to argue that the state has missed out on potential economic growth and job creation opportunities.

Corruption-Free Governance: A major promise was to ensure a corruption-free administration. The BJP's campaign brings to light ongoing corruption allegations and controversies that, according to critics, undermine the government's credibility and its commitment to transparency.

Land Law Amendments: Soren's opposition to amendments in land laws intended to allow commercial use of tribal land is also scrutinised. The BJP argues that the issue remains unresolved, leading to continued uncertainty about land rights.

Liquor Ban: The promise of a complete ban on liquor in Jharkhand has been partially implemented, with restrictions only in specific areas. The BJP highlights this as an example of the government's failure to deliver on its commitments fully.

CBI Inquiry into Starvation Deaths: The campaign points out that the promise to initiate a CBI inquiry into starvation deaths has not seen significant progress. This is used to question the government's responsiveness to critical issues.

Additional Promises Under Scrutiny:

The promise to provide an annual income of ₹72,000 to poor families in Jharkhand.
Commitment to offer ₹50,000 loans to women via Aadhaar in Jharkhand.
The promise to set up cold storage facilities in every Panchayat.
The promise to give a gold coin to newlywed brides in Jharkhand.
Financial allowance for poor widows in Jharkhand.
Monthly allowance of ₹2,000 for household expenses to married sisters in Jharkhand.

Public Discontent and BJP's Strategy

The BJP's 'Mila Kya' campaign is supported by expressions of public dissatisfaction, which underscore the gap between promises and performance. Citizens have voiced their concerns about various aspects of governance, including job creation, farm loan relief, and infrastructure development. This feedback forms a crucial part of the BJP's strategy, as it reflects a broader sentiment of frustration among the electorate.

By highlighting these issues, the BJP aims to position itself as a viable alternative to the JMM government, promising to address the unmet needs and rectify the shortcomings identified. The campaign's effectiveness hinges on its ability to resonate with voters and articulate a compelling vision for addressing the state's challenges.