Manak Sharma, Mumbai Uncensored, 12th December, 2023:
In a surprising turn of events, the Indian National Congress faced defeat in three states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and notably Chhattisgarh—raising questions about the impact of Adivasi issues on the electoral outcome. While the Congress secured victory in Telangana, the loss in Chhattisgarh was particularly unexpected, given the favorable pre-election sentiments. Mumbai Uncensored delves into the intricacies of this electoral setback.
The Congress’s failure to address key issues affecting the Adivasi communities is considered a significant factor in their defeat. Specifically, the government’s lack of proactive measures regarding religious conversion resulted in attacks and social boycotts against Christian tribes in parts of Bastar. The emergence of the Sarva Adi Dal, a party representing Christians, further fragmented Adivasi support, diverting it toward smaller parties, Independent Adivasi candidates, and the BJP.
The BJP’s sweeping victory in Surguja’s tribal area, where they secured all 14 Assembly seats previously held by the Congress, marked a pivotal moment. T S Singh Deo, a prominent Congress figure, faced defeat in this region. In Bastar, a stronghold for the Congress in 2018, the party lost eight seats, including that of Deepak Baij, the chief of the state Congress, in Chitrakot on December 3.
An additional blow to the Congress was the Chhattisgarh High Court’s ruling against the reservation of all Class 3 and Class 4 jobs for Adivasis, a policy established during the BJP’s rule. This ruling became ammunition for the BJP, claiming that the Baghel government did not adequately defend the reservation in court. Meanwhile, protests against mining in Hasdeo and the killing of three Adivasis in Silver unveiled simmering discontent among the Adivasis.
Former Union Minister Arvind Netam, an 81-year-old tribal leader from Bastar who formed the Hamar Raj party, cited the weakening of the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act) law as a significant concern. Netam criticized Chief Minister Bhupendra Baghel for perceived arrogance and stressed the importance of political advisors with bureaucratic experience.
The Congress’s loss in SC-ST seats, along with issues such as Baghel’s leadership style, neglect of non-farmer communities, corruption, and internal conflicts between Baghel and T S Singh Deo, collectively contributed to the party’s electoral defeat. Stay tuned to Mumbai Uncensored for in-depth analysis and updates on this pivotal political development.
