RANCHI: Several tribal organizations on Saturday joined protests and demonstrations against the BJP for appointing Raghubar Das as the first non-tribal chief minister of Jharkhand breaking from the calculus of tribal politics. They had also given two days’ bandh call on Saturday and Sunday.
Hundreds of protesters under the banner of Adivasi Sarna Dharma Samaj staged demonstrations at Albert Ekka Chowk and burnt effigies of BJP leaders, saying that a non-tribal chief minister for a tribal-dominated state was not “acceptable to them”. The Samaj claims the support of a dozen tribal outfits. However a strong section of partymen, believe the move will create big trouble for the BJP in a sensitive state like Jharkhand.
“It will prove to be counter-productive if the Kurmis (Moolwasis) join common cause with the tribals. We will not be able to win seats in rural areas,” pointed out a BJP leader.
Though the bandh call had little impact in the state capital, the main opposition Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s (JMM) “moral support” to the tribal bodies on the issue should worry the BJP, which had come into power fighting elections on the planks of development and stability. Only 13 protesters were detained by the police while enforcing the bandh call.
Prem Shahi Munda, head of one of the tribal organizations, said the BJP decision defies the tradition of the state, which was formed in the interest of adivasi-moolwasi (native non-tribals) of Jharkhand. “The BJP is trying to create anarchy in the state by appointing a non-tribal as chief minister of the state,” he added.
Significantly, senior JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar tried to add fuel to the fire saying that the BJP decision to appoint a non-tribal as a chief minister has jolted the ‘foundation of Jharkhand.
JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said that the BJP move will give fillip to a big problem in the state threatening ethnic clashes in days to come.
“The JMM is already fighting for jal, jungle and jameen of the tribals. So, there is nothing wrong in our support,” he added.
Bhattacharya said that the tribals had confidence when there was a tribal face as chief minister, even if they could not undertake the desired development. “This loss could not be compensated even if the BJP packs the cabinet with 10 tribal ministers,” he added.
Bhattacharya also said that the JMM will play the role of a constructive opposition and will not fan trouble in the state.
The BJP, however, put up a brave face, saying the protests were politically motivated and common people had no participation in them.
BJP state president Ravindra Rai said that these bodies are out to create social disharmony.
“We have installed a Jharkhandvasi as chief minister. There is no adivasi or gair adivasi (non-tribal) issue involved in the matter of chief ministership. For the BJP does not see the society with a prism of divisive politics,” he said. “They are the people whom the public have rejected during elections. People will give a befitting reply to such people,” he maintained.
BJP national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav, who managed the electioneering in Jharkhand, said that the BJP will tackle it with “sushashan”. “The BJP will ensure justice for all,” he assured.
The tribal BJP MLAs also fear that they might face protests in their constituencies and backlash in the next elections.
“We might have won one election, but not sure to gain again,” said a tribal MLA requesting anonymity.