Yogi Adityanath’s “Bulldozer” Threat in Jharkhand Amid Election Campaign
In the midst of a heated election campaign in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his controversial “bulldozer raj” policy, invoked the same rhetoric while addressing a BJP rally in Jamtara on Monday. His remarks came just days after the Supreme Court criticized state governments over the use of bulldozers for demolitions, highlighting the controversial nature of such policies.
Accusations Against Hemant Soren’s Government
During his speech, Yogi Adityanath accused Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), of mismanaging state resources. He claimed that the JMM-led coalition had “looted Jharkhand’s natural resources” and diverted central funds allocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. He further alleged that the government had allowed the infiltration of Bangladeshi migrants and Rohingyas, which he said posed a threat to the state’s “beti, mati, roti” (daughter, land, and bread).
“Now, the bulldozer is on standby to reclaim the looted funds,” Yogi declared, invoking the imagery of his controversial policy, which has been a hallmark of his tenure in Uttar Pradesh. The term “bulldozer” is often associated with the demolitions of properties belonging to alleged criminals, especially among marginalized communities such as Dalits and minorities.
Context of the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Bulldozer Demolitions
Yogi’s comments on bulldozers come in the wake of a significant Supreme Court ruling on November 13. The court stated that demolitions carried out without a legal process and due rights to the accused would be “totally unconstitutional.” A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan emphasized that no demolitions should take place without a prior show-cause notice, and such actions must follow a 15-day period after notice is served. The court stressed that accused persons have constitutional rights, and any such demolition must adhere to due process.
The Supreme Court’s decision came in response to pleas seeking the framing of guidelines for demolitions across the country, particularly in cases where the individuals involved were merely accused or convicted of crimes.
Implications for Jharkhand’s Election Campaign
As Jharkhand prepares to vote on November 20, with results due on November 23, Yogi Adityanath’s remarks are likely to stoke further controversy. His “bulldozer” rhetoric, which has become synonymous with aggressive law-and-order policies, may resonate with his supporters but also risk alienating voters who view such policies as heavy-handed and unconstitutional, especially after the Supreme Court’s recent verdict.
The BJP, under Yogi’s leadership, continues to use strong and polarizing language in its election campaigns, aiming to highlight issues of governance and national security, while also drawing attention to allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the ruling coalition in Jharkhand.
However, with the Supreme Court’s stance on demolitions in mind, the political dynamics in the state may be shifting, with voters increasingly attuned to questions of constitutional rights and fairness in governance.
