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Soren’s party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), defended the Chief Minister’s remarks, saying he was speaking like a mature and visionary leader.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. (PTI)
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday said internal political differences should be fought within the country and not aired on foreign soil, in remarks that the BJP described as a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Speaking at News18 India’s Diamond State Summit, Soren said it was inappropriate to criticise India while abroad. “I cannot stay abroad and criticise my own country. This is our domestic fight, and we will fight it at home,” he said.
The BJP was quick to link the statement to Rahul Gandhi, who has often criticised the Centre during his overseas visits. BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari said even Congress’s allies are now “showing Rahul Gandhi the mirror”.
The party added that Soren had followed “Raj Dharma” by stating that one should not speak ill of the country abroad, and questioned how appropriate it was to criticise India on foreign platforms.
In Jharkhand, Soren’s party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), defended the Chief Minister’s remarks, saying he was speaking like a mature and visionary leader. The party said his comments reflected foresight and his intent to move the state forward rather than dwell on political mudslinging. It said his observation about not criticising the country abroad highlighted his mindset.
The RJD, another alliance partner, also backed Soren’s remarks, stating that domestic matters should remain within the country and not be aired internationally. The party noted that while alliance partners govern together, each has its own ideology and principles.
The Congress, however, rejected the BJP’s interpretation and said Soren was not targeting Rahul Gandhi. Instead, the party claimed the remarks were aimed at the Prime Minister, arguing that references to speaking about India abroad could apply in multiple contexts. It added that while alliance partners work together in government, they maintain distinct ideologies and manifestos.
February 11, 2026, 12:45 IST
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