Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), accusing the party of adopting an anti-tribal stance by opposing and voting against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha.
Speaking at a press conference, the senior BJP leader criticised the JMM for siding against a bill that, according to him, includes crucial provisions to safeguard the rights of tribals in Jharkhand.
Das argued that the JMM’s opposition to the Bill exposed its hypocrisy, as the amendments it contained were directly beneficial to tribal communities. He asserted that once enacted, the Bill would help protect tribal land, preserve tribal culture, and uphold constitutional provisions.
One of the key aspects of the Bill, he explained, was that it explicitly prevents Waqf properties from being declared under Schedule 5 and Schedule 6 in tribal areas, ensuring that tribal land remains safeguarded from encroachment.
Accusing the JMM of falling into the trap of Congress’s appeasement politics, Das alleged that the party was misleading the tribal population by falsely presenting itself as their protector. He claimed that the Narendra Modi-led NDA government had incorporated specific provisions in the Bill to safeguard the land and interests of tribal communities.
Despite this, JMM not only opposed the Bill but also actively voted against it, raising questions about its true commitment to tribal welfare.
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Das further questioned whether JMM and its leader, Hemant Soren, wanted tribal areas, including their land, to be declared as Waqf properties.
He argued that such a move would violate the 5th Schedule of the Constitution, which is designed to protect the cultural heritage and constitutional rights of tribal communities.
He went on to state that the construction and expansion of cemeteries, mausoleums, mosques, and dargahs in scheduled areas were entirely contrary to the indigenous culture of tribals and that allowing Waqf properties in these regions was against the fundamental spirit of the Constitution.
Through his remarks, Das positioned the BJP as the true guardian of tribal interests while accusing the JMM of prioritising vote-bank politics over the welfare of Jharkhand’s indigenous communities.
His statements reflect the broader political battle between the BJP and JMM, with both parties vying to establish themselves as champions of tribal rights in the state.
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