Roti, Beti, Maati’ at Stake: PM Modi Raises Alarm Over Infiltration and Tribal Identity in Jharkhand Elections
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing an election rally in Jharkhand's Deoghar district, highlighted the "biggest issue" in the ongoing state elections: infiltration. Modi expressed deep concerns about the protection of "roti, beti, and maati" — representing livelihoods, family honor, and the land of Jharkhand's tribal communities. Alleging a “huge conspiracy” to alter Jharkhand’s identity, Modi pointed fingers at the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government for facilitating infiltration that he claimed threatens tribal demographics and identity. He further accused the Congress of disrespecting tribals and attempting to abolish reservations for marginalized communities.
Sahil Kushwaha 
INDC Network : India : Roti, Beti, Maati’ at Stake: PM Modi Raises Alarm Over Infiltration and Tribal Identity in Jharkhand Elections
PM Modi: ‘Infiltration Biggest Issue in Jharkhand Elections’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a rally in Deoghar district's Sarath, voiced his strongest concerns about the “biggest election issue” for Jharkhand – infiltration. Modi alleged that the influx of outsiders has caused the tribal population in areas like Santhal to reduce significantly, even to "half" in some areas. Urging the people of Jharkhand to stand firm in protecting their families, Modi emphasized the need to safeguard the "roti, beti, and maati" — symbolizing the region’s livelihood, honor, and land.
‘Conspiracy to Change Jharkhand’s Identity
In a suspenseful twist, Modi claimed that there is an active conspiracy to alter Jharkhand’s identity. He directly blamed the current Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress government for permitting infiltrators to become permanent residents in the state. He argued that the government’s actions have allowed outsiders to take control of local resources, including jobs, creating a direct threat to Jharkhand’s indigenous communities.
Allegations Against Congress and JMM
PM Modi’s accusations went further, targeting the Congress for allegedly undermining tribal identity and eroding constitutional protections for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Modi accused Congress of attempting to end reservations for these groups, claiming they "insulted tribals" and even opposed the election of Droupadi Murmu, India’s first tribal President, a move he argued demonstrated Congress’s disdain for the community.
Phase 1 Voting Underway
This address comes as voting begins in the first phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections across 43 out of 81 constituencies. The election, which will occur in two phases, has phase 2 scheduled for November 20 and the vote count for November 23.
