Congress leader promises LPG cylinders for infiltrators, PM Modi hits back

Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir promised subsidised LPG at Rs 450 for all residents of Jharkhand, including ïnfiltrators”, if the Congress-led INDIA bloc comes to power. The statement, made on Thursday, has sparked controversy amid the state’s Assembly elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the promise, suggesting it highlights how Congress allegedly prioritises votes over national security. Speaking in Maharashtra, Modi said, “They are playing with the country’s future for votes.” The PM also questioned if a party that supports “infiltrators” should be trusted.
Mir, while addressing a gathering in Chandrapura, said that “all citizens” of Jharkhand would receive the subsidised LPG regardless of background, sparking backlash from the BJP, which labelled the pledge as “anti-national.”
The BJP has long focused on border security and accused the JMM-led coalition of fostering “vote bank” politics by aiding illegal immigration.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also accused the Congress-JMM-RJD coalition of facilitating infiltration, claiming the current government enabled voter and ration cards for thousands of alleged infiltrators.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath echoed this sentiment, vowing the BJP would prevent such measures.
With the first phase of voting completed, and the second phase slated for November 20, the debate over national security and immigration has become central to the campaign in Jharkhand.
The election results in Jharkhand will be announced on November 23.