Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Accuses Assam Leaders of Marginalising Adivasis and Focusing on Resource Extraction

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren criticises leaders in Assam and the Centre for marginalising the Adivasi community. He highlights their contributions to the economy and calls for unity among tribal people ahead of upcoming elections.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren criticised the central and Assam governments, accusing them of prioritising resource extraction over tribal welfare. He claimed these leaders acted more like traders than politicians, neglecting the tribal community's needs. Soren emphasised the importance of tribal unity, stating, "We are the soldiers of such ancestors, such guides, on a path that leads to the destination, to stability, and to security."

Soren addressed a tribal gathering in Tinsukia, Assam, organised by the All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA). He alleged that Adivasis were deliberately weakened through divisive policies. He accused the Assam government of dividing tribal communities into categories like STs and tea tribes to diminish their collective strength. "The tea industry runs on the blood and sweat of Adivasis, yet they remain on the margins," he stated.

Tribal Unity and Struggles

Soren highlighted the ongoing struggles of Assam's tea tribes for basic rights despite their significant economic contributions. He warned against attempts to suppress tribal voices, asserting that any such efforts would be resisted. "We are the children of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. If the need arises, the entire Adivasi society of Jharkhand will stand with the Adivasi society of Assam," he declared.

He criticised opposition parties for temporarily implementing welfare schemes during elections. Soren assured continued engagement with Assam's tribal organisations and recalled his father's role in supporting Adivasi struggles. He expressed his commitment to addressing their concerns by staying in touch with community leaders.

Political Challenges and Social Initiatives

Reflecting on his political journey, Soren mentioned being jailed for raising his voice but remained undeterred. He claimed that about 56 lakh women in Jharkhand receive Rs 2,500 monthly under a social security scheme for two years. This initiative has empowered women financially and enabled them to shape their families' futures.

Soren accused previous governments in Jharkhand of failing its people. He asserted that his administration had stabilised the state despite opposition attempts to destabilise it using constitutional institutions. "If we had not taken charge again, perhaps Jharkhand itself would not have survived," he said.

Electoral Success and Future Prospects

Discussing the 2024 assembly elections, Soren claimed his government received an unprecedented mandate from Jharkhand's people. "Never in history has any government received such massive blessings from the people of Jharkhand," he stated. Earlier, Soren wrote to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma about granting ST status to 70 lakh tea tribe members in Assam.

Soren expressed deep concern for these communities, noting their origins from indigenous tribes like Santhali and Munda who migrated during colonial times. He argued they meet ST status criteria due to their distinct cultural identity and vulnerability to exploitation. Despite recognition as STs in other states, Assam continues classifying them as OBCs.

With inputs from PTI