Christian Gathering Exposes Congress-JMM Rift, Claims of CM’s Presence Fall Flat: Pratul Shahdeo

Jharkhand BJP chief spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo has targeted the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) over the Christian Mahajutan held in Ranchi, claiming that the event exposed differences within the ruling alliance.

Shahdeo said the gathering was projected as a major show of unity among the tribal community, but the absence of any senior JMM leader from the stage raised questions about the party’s participation. He also pointed out that Chief Minister Hemant Soren had been invited as the chief guest but did not attend the event. According to Shahdeo, the JMM was represented only by one of its MLAs.

The BJP leader questioned whether the Chief Minister’s absence was linked to the contentious issue of the rights of converted tribal communities and those following traditional tribal practices. He also raised questions about representation in the state Assembly, citing population figures and the number of Christian tribal MLAs.

Shahdeo claimed that while tribal communities account for around 26 per cent of Jharkhand’s population and converted tribals constitute a much smaller share, they have a significant presence among legislators elected from seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes.

He linked the issue to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s political slogan of “proportionate representation”, arguing that the party should apply the same principle while discussing representation among different sections of society.

‘It was a Christian rally, not a tribal mega rally’

Shahdeo described the Ranchi gathering as a “Christian rally” rather than a broad-based tribal convention. He accused the Congress of trying to use tribal and religious issues for political mobilisation.

The BJP spokesperson said his party does not view the tribal community merely as a vote bank but as an integral part of Jharkhand’s identity, development and social fabric.

“Tribal society will no longer decide on the basis of slogans alone; it will judge political parties on their work,” Shahdeo said, asserting that political gatherings would not automatically translate into electoral support.

Questions over Archbishop’s appeal

Shahdeo also questioned the role of religious leaders in mobilising participation in the event. He alleged that an appeal issued by the Archbishop instructed members of the Christian community, including priests, brothers and sisters, to participate in the rally.

He claimed that the communication went beyond a routine appeal and was framed as an instruction. Shahdeo said the Congress had historically been accused of seeking political support through religious figures and alleged that a similar pattern was now being seen in the use of Christian religious leadership.

The BJP leader also criticised the Congress for remaining silent on the Archbishop’s communication and demanded that the party clarify its position on the matter.

His remarks are part of the BJP’s political criticism of the Ranchi gathering and the Congress-JMM alliance. The Congress and JMM have not, in the statement provided, responded to Shahdeo’s allegations.