BJP Alleges 'Jaziya Tax' on Shiva Devotees in Jharkhand, JMM Rejects Claims

The Jharkhand BJP has launched a scathing attack on the state government, alleging that it is collecting a 'Jaziya tax' from Shiva devotees visiting the Dalma hills during the Sawan month. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev claimed that the government is imposing fees on devotees for accessing the ancient Shiva temple near Jamshedpur. He stated that this is akin to the historical Jaziya tax. The BJP has demanded the immediate withdrawal of these alleged fees and warned of potential protests. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has refuted the BJP’s claims, accusing the party of attempting to stir religious sentiments. JMM spokesperson Vinod Kumar Pandey said that the government respects the faith of the devotees and is working to improve facilities in the Dalma region. Pandey also said that the BJP has no solid issues in Jharkhand and is trying to mislead the public through development-related issues and by playing politics in the name of Sanatan Dharma.