Jharkhand’s JMM Govt Passes Resolution Against CAA, UCC, NRC, Criticises Union Budget 2025 For Ignoring Tribal Welfare

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the ruling party in Jharkhand, passed a 50-point resolution during its 46th foundation day celebrations at Gandhi Maidan, Dumka, on 2 February, reported The Hindu.

A key highlight of the resolution was the outright rejection of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.

"The Citizenship Amendment Act, Uniform Civil Code and National Register of Citizens should be completely rejected in Jharkhand," the party resolution declared, quoted as saying by The Hindu.

The JMM also demanded strict enforcement of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and Santal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act, which are crucial for safeguarding tribal land rights. Additionally, the party urged the central government to clear "Rs 1.36 lakh crore dues" owed to Jharkhand.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Hemant Soren strongly criticised the Union Budget 2025, alleging that Jharkhand was neglected. He accused the central government of "cheating" the people of the state and claimed that "some people with feudal mindset" do not want the residents of tribal-dominated Jharkhand to stand on their feet."

Soren pointed out that despite Jharkhand's significant contribution to the national economy through mineral resources, the state remains one of the most backward in India.

He emphasised that "Jharkhand is still the most backward State, despite contributing a big chunk to the country's exchequer through mineral resources." He also demanded that the Centre ensure equal treatment for all states, particularly the backward ones.

The Jharkhand CM criticised the tax rebates announced in the Budget, stating that they do not benefit the poor due to rising inflation. "Rebate was given in tax (income tax) but it will not help as inflation is skyrocketing. There is no change in GST," he said. He also dismissed the government’s GYAN (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, Nari) scheme, alleging that it focuses on loans instead of direct financial support.

Soren defended Jharkhand’s Rs 2,500 monthly assistance scheme for women, arguing that similar measures announced in Delhi were now being labelled as "freebies" (revari) by the BJP.

"They (the BJP) accuse us of distributing 'revari' (freebies) but now they announced the same promise of giving Rs 2,500 to women in Delhi. Is this not 'revari'? Whatever they do is right but when we do, it becomes wrong," he said.

The JMM's resolution and Soren's remarks underscore rising tensions between Jharkhand and the central government, particularly regarding state rights, economic policies, and social welfare schemes.