SWAMI DIVYAGYAN
Ranchi, Nov 5: The upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections have turned Santhal Pargana into a political battleground. The major state parties, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), are locked in a tough fight. While the BJP has been strategically strengthening its position by bringing tribal leaders connected to historical and cultural heritage into the party, Congress leaders have stirred controversy with provocative statements, heating up the election atmosphere. Tribal identity, respect, and the issue of external infiltration have become central to the election narrative, making this contest even more intriguing.
Mandal Murmu Joins BJP – Targeting the Tribal Vote Bank
In an effort to expand its influence in Santhal Pargana, the BJP took a significant step by inducting Mandal Murmu, a descendant of the revered tribal freedom fighters Sidho-Kanhu, into the party. Mandal Murmu, who had previously endorsed Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s nomination, has now aligned with the BJP, making a strong impact in JMM’s stronghold. The BJP’s association with Murmu not only aims to boost its support among the tribal communities of Santhal Pargana but also sends a clear message that the party is committed to safeguarding tribal identity and dignity in the state.
BJP’s election co-incharge Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan have called Murmu’s inclusion a “historic step.” Murmu himself has voiced concerns over demographic changes in Santhal Pargana and raised the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration, which he believes has adversely impacted the tribal population. He perceives this influx as a threat to tribal rights and identity. Murmu has expressed his intention to work on this issue alongside the BJP. His entry into BJP could impact JMM’s traditional vote bank in Santhal Pargana, creating new challenges for the JMM in maintaining its tribal support base.
Controversial Statements and Irfan Ansari – Troubles for Congress
Irfan Ansari, Jharkhand’s Rural Development Minister and Congress candidate from Jamtara, has found himself embroiled in controversy due to his provocative statements. Following an objectionable remark against BJP candidate Sita Soren, Ansari made another statement that further escalated tensions. Sita Soren’s daughter, Jaishree Soren, lodged a complaint at the Jamtara SC-ST police station, accusing Ansari of questioning her and her sister’s character, thereby hurting the dignity of tribal women.
This incident has tarnished the image of the Congress party and posed a new challenge for the JMM-Congress alliance. In her complaint, Jaishree Soren stated that Ansari’s comments have sent a negative message in society and insulted tribal women. By referring to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rabindra Nath Mahato, Ansari has pulled Congress into further controversies. This incident has not only intensified resentment against Congress among the tribal community but also provided BJP an opportunity to appeal to the tribal and women voters.
Importance of the Tribal Vote Bank and Emerging Equations in Santhal Pargana
With descendants of iconic tribal leaders like Sidho-Kanhu joining BJP, there is a growing possibility of tribal voters leaning towards BJP in Jharkhand. The induction of tribal leader Mandal Murmu into BJP is seen as a significant gain for the party in Santhal Pargana. JMM has long held a strong influence over the tribal vote bank, but now BJP appears well-prepared to challenge this dominance. By taking a firm stance on issues like decreasing tribal population and external infiltration, BJP has made a concerted effort to connect with the tribal community.
Meanwhile, Irfan Ansari’s controversial statements have put Congress and the JMM-Congress alliance in a tough position. This controversy may harm JMM as tribal voters could distance themselves from Congress. BJP has leveraged this situation to spotlight the issue of respect for tribal women and the community, potentially impacting the traditional vote bank of the JMM-Congress alliance.
The 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections have turned Santhal Pargana into a crucial electoral battlefield, where issues like tribal identity, external infiltration, and women’s dignity have come to the fore. By aligning with Mandal Murmu, a descendant of Sidho-Kanhu, BJP has created fresh hopes in Santhal Pargana and strengthened its support among the tribal community. Meanwhile, Congress and its leader Irfan Ansari’s controversial statements have created challenges for the JMM-Congress alliance.
In the upcoming elections, issues of tribal identity and rights, respect for tribal women, and restoration of Santhal Pargana’s demographic balance will play a key role. The outcome of the fierce BJP-JMM contest will be determined only on the day of voting and counting.
