
ASSAM Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing the media on November 4 in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, alleged: “Hemant Soren is a spokesperson of infiltrators.” By infiltrator, he meant Jharkhand’s Bengali-speaking Muslims, most of whom, if not all, he evidently holds as infiltrators from Bangladesh. This remark came three days after Sarma alleged that under Chief Minister Soren’s rule, Hindus were becoming ‘outsiders’ in Jharkhand. A couple of days before that, on October 29, Sarma alleged that Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region “is in line to become mini-Bangladesh”. He even compared himself with the Ramayan epic’s Lord Hanuman—well, almost—when he likened his ‘setting fire on infiltrators’ to Hanuman’s setting Lanka ablaze.
Sarma is an unusual challenger to Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Soren. Jharkhand and Assam are about 500 km apart, share no border and have few socio-cultural and political similarities. Sarma was never involved in politics in Jharkhand, and no one perhaps ever expected or imagined an Assamese politician would turn into Jharkhand’s biggest polariser until the BJP, in June, made Sarma a co-in-charge of the party for the Jharkhand Assembly election.
Since then, he has eclipsed all Jharkhand BJP leaders, including former Chief Ministers Babulal Marandi and Arjun Munda, and even the BJP in-charge for the Jharkhand election, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and current Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. As in every other place he goes, Sarma hogs the headlines.He has been entrusted with popularising a new brand of politics in Jharkhand—vilification of Bengali-speaking Muslims as ‘Bangladeshi infiltrators’, a task in which he has excelled since joining the BJP in 2015—to challenge Soren’s tribal-oriented party.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

Taking charge like never before
Women homebuyers today are more independent, decisive and investment-savvy than ever.

Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Leading the Big Four
The first woman to lead a 'Big Four' firm in India, Shefali Goradia envisions a robust pipeline of talented women leaders for a brighter future in corporate governance

Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Breaking the Indian actress mould
Shahana Goswami's film career veers away from the tested with a rich and diverse portfolio

Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Fostering Innovation and Inclusion
Embracing technology beyond a support function, as the core of businesses and an enabler for empowerment, Prativa Mohapatra creates a holistic environment with equal opportunities

Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Safe Teen Steps
Dr Manjula Pooja Shroff addresses rising mental health crisis among youth and the steps for making a safer, healthier, and happier teenage life through her book 'Safe Teen Steps'

Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Agility in Advertising Approach
Technology is essential, and Anupriya Acharya is leveraging its full potential towards programmatic advertising, influencer marketing, and advanced TV advertising

Imam Trump
Sooner than later, the Ayatollah in the red tie will try to degrade India's national honour and prestige

Grit, Gumption and Goals
A role model for social reforms, Dr Mariazeena Johnson advocates for quality education, vocational training and equal rights and opportunities for women and girls

Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Of Strength, Grace and Worth
Women and their worth are not up for debate. In boardrooms and in battlefields, in public spaces and in public life, in conscience and in consciousness, it's time to claim our seats. Prof Manoshi RoyChowdhury writes

Women Torchbearers of Viksit Bharat - Revolutionizing Real Estate Leadership
Manju Yagnik's exceptional career blends strategic innovation, inspiring green living, and advocacy for women's leadership, inspiring the next generation of industry pioneers