JMM Lashes Out at BJP's Marandi Over Tribal Neglect

Ranchi– The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on BJP state President Babulal Marandi, accusing him of shedding "crocodile tears" over the plight of the state's primitive tribes, particularly the Paharia.

JMM General Secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya challenged Marandi to look at the conditions of primitive tribes in BJP-ruled states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh before making pronouncements about Jharkhand. Bhattacharya highlighted the BJP's record in these states, stating that Madhya Pradesh, home to 18 primitive tribes, has neglected their well-being. Similarly, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with 15 and 12 primitive tribes respectively, face similar challenges.

Bhattacharya questioned Marandi's knowledge of these tribes and their locations, offering to provide him with information and suggesting a comparative study of their social, economic, and developmental status with those in Jharkhand.

Marandi had, on Monday, urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to form a special committee for the all-around development of primitive tribes, specifically mentioning the Paharia. He had pointed out the lack of access to roads, healthcare, education, and drinking water in these communities.

Bhattacharya also criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly misleading Jharkhand's tribal communities on religious grounds during election campaigns. He brought up the issue of Jharkhand's tribal workers in Assam's tea gardens who are yet to receive Scheduled Tribe status and questioned Marandi's inaction on this matter during his previous terms as minister, MP, and MLA.

Highlighting the JMM-led government's efforts, Bhattacharya credited former Chief Minister Shibu Soren and current Chief Minister Hemant Soren for introducing direct government jobs for Paharia tribe members. He emphasized the government's commitment to their welfare and pointed to the JMM's electoral success in tribal areas, winning 27 out of 28 tribal seats in the state. Bhattacharya said the tribal population has strongly opposed outsiders trying to oust Hemant Soren's government.

Bhattacharya concluded by announcing the upcoming disbursement of Rs 2,500 to lakhs of women in Jharkhand under the Maiya Samman Yojna on December 11, emphasizing the government's ongoing development initiatives.