JMM convention begins: Waqf law, tribal rights, plan to take party beyond Jharkhand

Targeting the BJP, the CM said, “The feudal forces faced a crushing defeat at the hands of people here and now JMM, which emerged as a powerful force, will not allow them to plunder Jharkhand anymore… The tribals, indigenous people, poor, Dalits, the oppressed and exploited came together to remove a government that neglected their rights. This is their government.”

On the sidelines of the event, party leader Bhattacharya told reports that the Waqf law was amended without consulting state governments, despite land being a state subject.

“The Centre’s unilateral move is not only unconstitutional but also aimed at disempowering minority institutions,” he said. “This is a clear case of bypassing states and undermining federalism. Jharkhand will resist its implementation.”

The party resolution alleged that the amended Act was part of a broader strategy to create an atmosphere of fear in the name of religion and caste. It called upon other regional parties and civil society groups to unite against the move.

At the convention, the party submitted a 108-page organisational report discussing various socio-political subjects. It reiterated its stand on land rights for tribal and native communities, re-emphasised their rights over “jal, jungle, zameen” (water, forest, and land), called for a Land Reclamation Act, permanent land titles for forest dwellers and announced its opposition to delimitation.

On delimitation, the party alleged a conspiracy to reduce the political representation of tribal communities.

The convention will conclude on April 15 with the adoption of a full political roadmap for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal and Bihar, and the appointment of a new party president.