Tribal consolidation over Manipur violence may upset BJP’s hold in tribal seats in Maharashtra

On World Tribal Day on August 9, nearly 34 organisations under one banner held an Aakrosh rally at Palghar. Their charter of demands included capital punishment to criminals who raped and nakedly paraded tribal women in Manipur. They also protested against the implementation of Uniform Civil Code.

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar said, “The Manipur violence has generated a lot of unrest among the tribals across the country. There is a sense among them that the Centre has failed them and denied them justice.” This consolidation among the tribals, he asserts, “which constitutes a force to reckon with, is clearly shifting from BJP. Its impact will be known in 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls across the tribal belt.”

Today on #WorldTribalDay both the @BJP4India and @INCIndia will compete with each other as to who can hold the “sweetest lollipop” to offer the Adivasis to win their votes for the upcoming Assembly and Parliamentary elections.

They will indulge in big stunts and give acting… pic.twitter.com/RDpfk6dtpy

— Prakash Ambedkar (@Prksh_Ambedkar) August 9, 2023

In Maharashtra, out of 48 Lok Sabha seats, the tribal reserved seats account for four — Nandurbar, Dindori, Gadchiroli-Chimur and Palghar. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won three seats — Nandurbar, Dindori and Gadchiroli-Chimur. Its then alliance partner, the undivided Shiv Sena got one seat, Palghar. The Congress-NCP, whose traditional base was tribal vote bank, did not get any seat in parliament elections.

In the state Assembly, out of 288 seats, 25 seats come under the Scheduled Tribe category. Even in the Assembly, the BJP won 13 seats out if 25. Its estranged alliance partner Shiv Sena got 11 seats. The Congress was restricted to five seats, NCP one, Yuva Swabhimani Party one and Bahujan Vikas Aghadi one.

While addressing the gathering on World Tribal Day, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis reiterated his government’s commitment to bring tribals into mainstream development. “From better education, healthcare to livelihood, the tribal community will be entitled to enhanced living standards. The issue related to forest land rights will be adequately addressed,” he said.

Sensing the adverse impact of Manipur violence among tribals, the state BJP has taken precautions. Officially, the state leaders have maintained its central leadership was well aware and it was capable of tackling it to restore peace and harmony. A senior tribal leader of BJP, requesting anonymity said, “What unfolded in Manipur is very painful. There is anger and helplessness within the tribals.” However, he pointed out, “It will not be right to link Manipur violence where Kuki and Meitei are fighting each other with tribals in other states.” Here, Maharashtra tribal people have different issues. The main issue relates to basics like good infrastructure and quality education which is lacking in ashram shalas (residential schools). Secondly, healthcare is in shambles in remote tribal belt, he said. Then there are problems related to forest land rights.

The All India Kisan Sabha led by Communist Party of India (Marxist) has till now held three long marches from 2018 to 2023. More than 20,000 tribals had walked on foot to draw government’s attention to their rights over forest land. Despite repeated assurances, the problem remains unaddressed.

CM Eknath Shinde had said three days ago, “We will fulfil all the demands of Adivasis. We have handed over land rights to one lakh Adivasis till last year.”

Seven term CPI(M) MLA Jiva Pandu Gavit said, “The government makes promises but fails to enforce in totality. But then we have given them time and one more chance.”

Another contentious subject relates to Dhangar reservation. In 2014, when BJP was voted to power, it had publicly declared it would resolve the long pending Dhangar reservation. The Dhangar (shepherd) community is demanding reservation under tribal category. Currently, they enjoy the reservation under denotified tribe. However, Dhangar community believes tribal category would help them avail higher benefits.