JMM Accuses BJP of Politicising Armed Forces, Distorting Hindu Traditions

Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya launched a scathing attack on the BJP on Thursday, accusing the ruling party of misusing the Indian Army's bravery and Hindu religious symbols for electoral gains.

Addressing a press conference, Bhattacharya referred to the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the Army’s swift response, praising the armed forces but condemning what he described as the Prime Minister's “politicisation of military action” during campaign speeches in Gujarat, West Bengal, and Bihar.

“Our Constitution entrusts the Army with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, not being used as a political tool,” he said. “Even in 1971, when India achieved a major victory by splitting Pakistan, no political party used that moment to seek votes. Today, Operation Sindoor is being used as a campaign highlight.”

Bhattacharya further criticised BJP leaders for making inappropriate remarks about the military. He cited a Madhya Pradesh minister’s offensive comment toward a female officer and Udhampur MLA Ranbir Pathania’s statement branding the Air Force as “overhyped.” “Despite such remarks, there’s been no disciplinary action. BJP leadership remains silent,” he said.

He also denounced the BJP’s symbolic "Sindoor Campaign," calling it a misrepresentation of sacred Hindu practices. “Sindoor holds deep religious significance for married women. Distributing it randomly door-to-door for political optics is a disgrace to Sanatani tradition,” he asserted.

Bhattacharya accused the BJP of communalising politics for votes, pointing to statements made by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and UP CM Yogi Adityanath targeting the Muslim community. “They fuel religious hatred for political gain, and when elections near, suddenly remember Muslim martyrs. This is nothing but double standards,” he said.

He also took a jab at Gujarat’s contribution to the armed forces, asking, “While Gujarat-based companies are profiting from defence contracts, how many martyrs come from the state?” He warned against the dangerous trend of blending military pride with political propaganda.

Commenting on a recent event in Ranchi, Bhattacharya criticised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other BJP leaders for driving over an unopened flyover. “The project hadn't been officially handed over. What if there had been an accident? This isn't heroism—it's recklessness,” he said.

Concluding his address, Bhattacharya condemned the BJP's alleged use of investigative agencies to target political opponents and reaffirmed JMM’s commitment to contesting the upcoming elections with full force. “We’ve submitted our demands to the Finance Commission. Let the BJP play its politics—we are here to fight for the people of Jharkhand,” he said.