A video is going viral on social media where Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also co-incharge of the BJP's election campaign in Jharkhand, is heard declaring the upcoming assembly election as a critical moment for preserving "Sanatan" values in the state. 

While campaigning for the  BJP candidate Randhir Singh in the Sarath assembly constituency in Deoghar on Friday, Sarma emphasized concerns over demographic shifts in the Santhal Pargana region. 

Sarma cited statistics, claiming that the Hindu population in Santhal Pargana, which covers the districts of Sahibganj, Godda, Pakur, Dumka, Deoghar, and Jamtara, had decreased from 90% in 1951 to 67% in 2011. 

"The election this time is not about the JMM or Congress; it's about saving Sanatan in Jharkhand," he asserted. Sarma pointed out that the region, with a total population of 26 lakh in 1951, has seen a decline not only in Hindu numbers but also in the tribal population, which fell from 44% of the Hindu demographic in 1951 to 28% by 2011. 

He raised concerns that the Hindu population could further decline to 60% in the upcoming census. Sarma attributed part of the issue to alleged Bangladeshi infiltration through West Bengal's Murshidabad district, which he claims is altering the region's demographics by marrying local tribal women and assuming leadership roles within villages. 

He accused the Hemant Soren government of providing patronage to these individuals and ignoring the issue. In his speech, Sarma assured voters that if the BJP wins, the party will implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and expel alleged infiltrators. 

He promised to fill 2.87 lakh government job vacancies, provide 1.5 lakh jobs in the first year, build 21 lakh homes under the PM Awas Yojana, and offer free sand for house construction. 

The Jharkhand assembly election will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.