Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan raises concerns over Jharkhand Adivasis' plight in Assam, BJP policies

By A Representative 

The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan (Save Democracy Campaign) has issued a pressing call to protect Adivasi rights in Jharkhand, highlighting serious concerns over the treatment of Jharkhandi Adivasis in Assam. During a press conference in Ranchi on November 9, representatives from Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh criticized the current approach of BJP-led governments in these states, arguing it has exacerbated Adivasi struggles for rights, land, and cultural preservation.

Emanuel Purty from the All Adivasi Students Association in Assam spoke about the dire conditions Jharkhandi Adivasis face. Despite a significant population in Assam, these Adivasis lack Scheduled Tribe status and rights to land, water, and forest resources. “Many work in tea plantations under poor conditions, with wages far below the minimum rate,” Purty noted, adding that Assam’s BJP government marginalizes them, in contrast to efforts by Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren-led administration to secure Adivasi rights. Purty questioned Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent overtures to Adivasis in Jharkhand, calling them “hypocritical.”

Radheshyam Kakodiya from Madhya Pradesh highlighted challenges Adivasis face under BJP’s “double bulldozer” policies. He described an erosion of Adivasi cultural identity, lack of action against caste-based violence, and large-scale displacement for projects like dams and mining. Kakodiya condemned BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan's outreach to Jharkhand’s Adivasi community, calling it ironic given Adivasis’ ongoing struggles for justice and compensation in Madhya Pradesh.

In Chhattisgarh, Alok Shukla from the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan addressed deforestation in Hasdeo Aranya for industrial projects tied to the Adani Group. “Nine lakh trees are slated for removal for mining, and Adivasis who protest face harassment,” Shukla stated, accusing BJP-led governments of exploiting natural resources at the expense of Adivasi communities.

Activists emphasized that these issues demonstrate the impact of BJP’s policies on Adivasi rights across states, urging Jharkhand voters to resist any similar policies in the upcoming election. Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan members Elina Horo and Riya Tulika Pingua criticized BJP's communal rhetoric, arguing that the party’s campaign is focused on religious polarization rather than addressing core Adivasi issues like the Sarna Code and CNT-SPT Act.

The activists called for vigilance against divisive tactics, urging Jharkhandis to protect ‘Abua Raj’ (self-governance) against what they termed “double bulldozer BJP Raj.” They concluded with an appeal to voters to prioritize the rights and welfare of Adivasis and indigenous people in the upcoming election.