Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced a "rebellion" against "feudal forces" on Sunday, claiming that the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc will remove the BJP from power nationwide. Addressing a rally on 'Hul Diwas', Soren claimed the BJP has become "nervous" following his release from jail, and its leaders are "plotting" against him once again.
"I have stepped out of my home for the first time post my release to address you on ‘Hul Diwas’. It is a day of inspiration for all of us. Like the Santhal uprising against the British, we declare 'Hul rebellion' to drive out feudal forces not only from Jharkhand but across the country," he said, news agency PTI reported.
This day, 'Hul Diwas' commemorates the 1855 Santhal rebellion against British rule.
“I was implicated in false cases... The Centre unleashes its probe agencies to harass those who raise their voice against it. It is only two days that I am out of jail, but the BJP is jittery. Top party leaders are frequenting Jharkhand and conspiring against me again," he also said.
Jharkhand Is Known For 'A Land Of Revolutionaries': Soren
Soren also highlighted that Jharkhand is quite popular as a land of revolutionaries and “we are not afraid of jail, lathi or execution”.
"It has come to my knowledge that they (BJP) are making plans to prepone assembly elections (in Jharkhand)... I dare them to conduct the elections any day they wish to... We are prepared. They will face a crushing defeat," he added, requesting all people to be ready to face “testing times ahead”.
Soren began his speech with 'Hul Johar'—a salutation in the Santhal language meaning 'revolutionary solution' and claimed that he was sent behind bars after demanding tribal rights, including Rs 1.36 lakh crore from the Centre for Coal Resources.
“But, the task I initiated and the war I waged will not stop," the former CM said.
He mentioned the plans to introduce legislation to ensure that the benefits of mines and minerals are first enjoyed by the people of Jharkhand, highlighting that all the resources of the state were enriching other regions while its residents remained in poverty and underdevelopment.
Released from Birsa Munda Jail on Friday after being granted bail by the Jharkhand high court in a money laundering case, Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 31 linked with an alleged land scam.
During the event, Chief Minister Champai Soren alleged that Hemant Soren was imprisoned for advocating the welfare of the poor, Dalits, and tribals. “He (Hemant Soren) was sent to jail on false allegations made by those who have been looting Jharkhand,” the CM said.
Champai Soren also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 396 projects costing around Rs 290 crore. Attendees who were present were Hemant Soren's wife and JMM legislator Kalpana Soren, and his brother Basant Soren, who is also a minister.
Warlier, PM Modi paid his tribute to freedom fighters Veer Sidhu and Kanhu, leaders of the 1855 Santhal uprising against British rule during his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.