Ranchi, Dec. 5: Tribal BJP MLAs and MPs who have supported changes in CNT and SPT Acts are facing community backlash, something former chief minister and BJP tribal heavyweight Arjun Munda had foreseen when he said tenancy amendments would impact BJP's political prospects in Jharkhand.
Three days ago, tribals "spontaneously" took out a rally in Gumla and protested before the homes of BJP MLA Shiv Shankar Oraon and Lohardaga MP and Union minister of state Sudarshan Bhagat. In Ghatshila, West Singhbhum, a traditional tribal head Baiju Murmu reportedly declared social boycott of BJP MLA Laxman Tudu.
Asked, however, the MLAs denied the severity of the events. Gumla MLA Oraon said protesters had raised slogans before Bhagat's house, but could not reach his home in Dumri as there was no approach road.
Ghatshila MLA Tudu, on his part, claimed he wasn't faced with social boycott .
"I wasn't here when they held a meeting. Though I have not been able to talk to Baiju Murmu, I assured his aides I would come to the next meeting," he claimed.
But, Jharkhand Adivasi Sangharsh Morcha convener Karma Oraon said otherwise.
"Tribal MLAs and MPs from BJP will have to pay if they don't mend their ways. Even blood relatives kill each other in land disputes. On one hand the state is claiming that land ownership rights of tribals would be intact and on the other hand it is changing the very character of land. These two can't coexist," he said.
The veteran tribal leader, now 64, said utter confusion prevailed in the BJP rank and file. "Their MLAs may be scared of the anti-defection law, but will understand the impact when the next polls near. In democracy, power is never permanent," he said, adding he and his followers would request the President not to approve amendment Bills.
"There is no place for obstinacy in a democracy," echoed Sudesh Mahto, chief of Ajsu Party, an ally of the ruling government. "We support the Raghubar Das government for political stability in governance, But, we are also considering approaching the judiciary," Sudesh said.
In Khunti, CPM politburo member Brinda Karat today addressed a public meeting against the changes in the Acts and submitted a memo to DC Chandra Shekhar on compensating the tribal man killed in the Saiko police firing. The JMM will fine-tune its protest roadmap in its central executive body meeting on December 7.
Asked to comment, chief minister Raghubar Das chose to be philosophical.
"Everyone has the right to air his or her views. But my government will do things in tune with law of land and effective in serving the interests of the state," he said.
