Jharkhand’s Governance Crisis: The Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand is facing increasing scrutiny due to its alleged failure to address two critical issues: the rise of extremism and the unchecked influx of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. These challenges not only threaten the state’s social fabric and security but also raise serious concerns regarding its administrative and governance capabilities.
Jharkhand’s Governance: Al-Qaeda’s Roots
Recent operations conducted by the Delhi Police and Jharkhand’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have uncovered a significant Al-Qaeda module in the state. This operation led to the arrest of 12 individuals, including a doctor and a madrasa teacher, who were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to establish Khilafat in India. The mastermind, Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, an MBBS graduate, reportedly had international connections and sought to recruit local youths through community ties. The involvement of educated professionals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds highlights a troubling trend where extremist groups penetrate various social strata to spread their ideology.
The Illegal Infiltration Crisis: Jharkhand’s Governance
Simultaneously, Jharkhand is grappling with the issue of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, particularly in the Santhal Pargana region. The population growth rate in districts like Pakur is alarming, with official figures showing a 28% increase since the 2011 Census. However, a recent verification process revealed that the voter growth rate in Muslim-majority areas of Pakur is an astonishing 65%. This discrepancy raises concerns about the influence of illegal migrants on the region’s demographic and electoral landscape. Critics have pointed out that the verification process was superficial, relying on quick matches between voter cards and Aadhaar without thorough document examination.
Jharkhand Government’s Role and Responsibility: Jharkhand’s Governance
The perceived leniency of the Hemant Soren-led government towards illegal infiltration has drawn criticism. Observers argue that the ruling JMM-Congress coalition may be encouraging this influx for political gain, potentially bolstering a voter base sympathetic to their interests. The inadequate response to the verification process, where only 9 out of 263 polling stations in Pakur-Maheshpur were investigated for increased voter numbers, raises questions about the administration’s commitment to electoral integrity. Explanations attributing the rise in voter numbers to natural population growth fail to address the specific demographic anomalies observed in the region.
Conclusion: Jharkhand’s Governance
The challenges posed by extremism and illegal infiltration in Jharkhand demand urgent attention from the Hemant Soren-led government. As these issues threaten the state’s security and social cohesion, the government’s response will be critical in determining the future stability of Jharkhand. Failure to address these concerns could have far-reaching implications for governance and the well-being of its citizens.
