Congress leader promises LPG cylinders for 'infiltrators', PM Modi hits back

Several BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticised Ghulam Ahmad Mir for his promise of subsidised LPG cylinders for Jharkhand residents, including those he referred to as 'infiltrators'.

In Short

• Congress leader's LPG subsidy pledge in Jharkhand stirs controversy
• PM Modi criticises Congress for 'prioritising infiltrators' in promise
• BJP says subsidy offer for 'infiltrators' is 'anti-national' and divisive

Congress leader and Jammu and Kashmir MLA, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, courted a controversy after he promised subsidised cylinders also for infiltrators in Jharkhand, if the Congress-led INDIA bloc comes to power in the state.

Addressing an election rally in Chandrapura, the Congress leader said, "As soon as the new government is formed, the price of gas cylinders will be reduced to 450 rupees. This benefit will be for everyone, regardless of whether they are Hindu, Muslim, infiltrator, or anyone else".

The remarks invited strong criticism from the BJP, incluidng Prime Minister Naranrda Modi, who accused Congress of "playing with the country’s future".

PM Modi said, "Their (Congress) one leader is openly declaring that they will give infiltrators, Rohingyas, Bangladeshi - gas cylinders at cheaper rates. It's an example of how they are playing with the future of your children's future for the sake of votes...". The PM also questioned if a party that supports “infiltrators” should be trusted.

The BJP has long emphasised border security, often accusing the JMM-led coalition of engaging in “vote bank” politics by enabling illegal immigration. In his latest remarks, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Hemant Soren-led JMM government for allegedly allowing infiltrators into the state. He also pledged that the BJP would implement an anti-infiltration law to address these concerns.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan echoed these accusations, claiming that the Congress-JMM-RJD coalition had facilitated infiltration by granting voter and ration cards to thousands of alleged infiltrators. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reinforced this stance, promising that the BJP would put a stop to such practices.

With the first phase of voting concluded and the second phase set for November 20, national security and immigration have become central issues in the Jharkhand campaign. The election results will be declared on November 23.