Cong's Ghulam Ahmad Mir promises LPG cylinders to all, infiltrators or not; BJP takes exception

Ranchi: AICC general secretary and Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Thursday courted controversy after he said at a poll rally that if the party is voted to power, gas cylinders will be given at Rs 450 to all citizens of the state, whether they are infiltrators or not.

In response, the BJP claimed that such a remark is "anti-national" and reflects the Congress’ appeasement and polarisation politics.

“We have promised that we will provide gas cylinders at Rs 450 from December 1 if our government is formed. This will be for the common masses… whether they are Hindus, Muslims, infiltrators – it will be given to all Jharkhand citizens, no other factor will be considered,” Mir said addressing a poll rally at Chandrapura in Bermo assembly constituency.

The remarks come at a time when BJP leaders are accusing the JMM-led coalition of patronising infiltration in the state for ‘vote bank politics’.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “The Congress’ Ghulam Ahmad Mir said they will provide gas cylinders to infiltrators at Rs 450. It is the Congress–JMM-RJD government that is patronising infiltration in Jharkhand." Addressing an election rally at Birni in Giridih district, he alleged that lakhs of infiltrators entered Jharkhand and the government helped them get voter and ration cards.

At another rally in Bokaro, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "The Congress in charge has promised to give cylinders to Hindus, Muslims and infiltrators. BJP will not allow handing over of tribals rights to infiltrators."

The second phase of polling will be held on November 20. The first phase of voting was held on Wednesday, while votes will be counted on November 23.