The controversy heated up when BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, presented the manifesto that primarily focuses on issues of law and order and, significantly, on implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Jharkhand. BJP claims the UCC initiative seeks to standardize laws across communities, but critics argue it risks disregarding the state’s significant tribal population, whose traditional laws might be compromised under a uniform legal system. Congress leaders voiced concerns that the UCC proposal is part of a broader strategy to polarize voters, sidelining economic and development priorities that are more urgent for the state.
Congress spokespersons intensified their criticism, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh accusing the BJP of using communal rhetoric to mask its inability to address key developmental issues. Congress further highlighted BJP’s apparent focus on "polarizing narratives" instead of tackling economic challenges, including significant pending payments from the central government to Jharkhand for coal royalties. Congress leaders argued that these unresolved payments, amounting to over ₹1.36 lakh crore, represent a significant shortfall impacting the state’s economic capacity and resource distribution. According to Congress, the BJP’s reliance on polarizing topics serves to divert public attention from these pressing economic issues.
BJP leaders countered the criticism by emphasizing that the manifesto addresses the primary concerns of the electorate and defends the UCC as a measure for "equality under law." However, as Congress claims, BJP’s stance on traditional laws disregards the rights of Jharkhand’s indigenous communities, raising fears that implementing UCC without adjustments could harm cultural and legal autonomy for these communities.