New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Nitin Gadkari, who did not attend the swearing-in of Arjun Munda as Jharkhand chief minister Saturday, sent him a congratulatory message and asked him to take care of the aspirations of tribal people of the state.

Gadkari also told Munda that tackling Maoist violence was one of the challenges before his government, formed in alliance with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and other parties.

Gadkari said: "Ensuring that the fruits of development reach the poor sections of the society and overcoming the threat of Naxalism are the twin challenges before the Jharkhand government."

Gadkari said he could not attend Munda government's swearing-in ceremony at Ranchi Saturday due to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at his Nagpur residence.

Copies of the letter were released to the media in Delhi.

Reminding Munda that tribal communities in the state have always reposed faith in the BJP and "its alliance partners", Gadkari expressed hope that he would take "every care of their agonies and aspirations".

The All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) is another major partner in the BJP-led coalition.

"People of Jharkhand have high expectations from you and the party hopes that you will do everything possible to meet their expectations," Gadkari said, and added that Munda's administrative experience and the skills his team possesses "will go a long way in meeting these challenges effectively".