Biswabrata Goswami
JHARGRAM, 7 JULY: Once plagued by conflict and Maoist insurgency, the Junglemahal region comprising Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, and West Midnapore has transformed into a Maoist-free area since the death of rebel Maoist leader Kishanji in 2011. Local residents have hailed this development, and the Mamata Banerjee-led government is now utilizing Junglemahal as a test case to secure votes in the ensuing panchayat elections.
This correspondent visited Jhargram to understand the ground reality and the emerging dynamics in the region. While the memories of avoiding Jumglemahal at night due to Maoist-laid mines still linger, the current scenario is characterized by bustling preparations for the panchayat polls.
The Trinamul Congress (TMC) enjoyed a smooth run in Junglemahal until 2018 when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unexpectedly gained some support in the panchayat polls. In 2019, the saffron party secured three Members of Parliament from the region – Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura. Although the TMC performed well in the 2021 elections, this time the Kurmi community, which is advocating for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, has also entered the political arena.
With a vote share of 42 percent in Junglemahal, the Kurmi community is disheartened by the central and state governments’ failure to address their demands. In April, the Kurmis organized ‘Rail Roko’ protests in these districts to draw attention to their cause. While the Kurmis insist on being granted ST status, local tribals are opposed to this move.
Asok Mahato, a prominent Kurmi leader, expressed his frustration, stating, “The Centre has sought suggestions from the state regarding our ST status, but it has not been provided yet. During campaigning, both parties promise ST status, but no one fulfills it. This time, we have to take this issue from the panchayat to Parliament. Hence, in Junglemahal and some other places, we have fielded our own candidates.”
TMC minister and tribal representative, Birbaha Hasda, refrained from commenting directly on the Kurmi demand but emphasized the development efforts of Mamata Banerjee’s government. Hasda said, “You have witnessed the extent of development carried out by Mamata Banerjee. Peace and development are our weapons. In 2018 and 2019, the BJP misled the people. However, the public now recognizes whose schemes are benefiting them. I will not comment on the Kurmi demand or their actions, but the state government is always supportive.”
While the TMC appears confident in its development agenda, the Kurmi vote has become a contentious issue. Political analysts believe that the tribal community’s resentment towards the Kurmis poses another challenge for the TMC.
For the BJP, which is gradually expanding its presence in Jhargram, the panchayat polls serve as a litmus test for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Debabrata Kundu, the BJP’s vice-president in Jhargram, asserted, “TMC politicians have become wealthy by siphoning off funds meant for development. This time, we will undoubtedly secure more zilla parishads.”
The BJP’s message resonates with some locals who are frustrated with rampant corruption in the region. As the political landscape in Junglemahal evolves, the panchayat polls will not only shape the future of local governance but also serve as a precursor to the larger electoral battle in 2024. Both the TMC and BJP are gearing up to win over voters and address the concerns of diverse communities in the region, ensuring a high-stakes political contest in the coming months.
Tags: #Junglemahal #Kurmi #BJP #TMC #Jhargram