Jharkhand News: Hemant Soren Accuses BJP of Branding Tribals as Traitors in Khunti, Jharkhand

Hemant Soren’s Rally in Khunti Calls for Tribal Support

Khunti, November 07, 2024: In a compelling public address in Khunti, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched a powerful critique against the BJP government, rallying the tribal community to unite against what he described as oppressive tactics aimed at undermining their identity and rights. Speaking in support of JMM candidate Ram Surya Munda, Soren emphasized the historic resilience of the tribal community, reminding attendees of their role as the first to resist British colonial rule. His words underscored a narrative of injustice that he claims has been perpetuated by the current administration.

Accusations of Branding Tribals as Traitors

Hemant Soren’s speech included sharp criticism of the BJP government, alleging that it had unfairly branded members of the tribal community as traitors. “How can the very people who spearheaded the first freedom struggle be labeled as anti-national?” Soren asked, pointing to the paradox of branding the protectors of the land as threats to the nation. According to Soren, over 11,000 sedition cases have been filed against tribal individuals, leading to whole villages being implicated and many imprisoned.

Historical Parallels with British Colonial Rule

Drawing a parallel to the colonial era, Hemant Soren claimed that the suppression faced by the tribal community under the BJP government mirrored the heavy-handed tactics of the British. He accused the current administration of targeting indigenous people to silence their voice and disrupt their way of life. “Even the British did not inflict this level of persecution,” Soren remarked, emphasizing the scale of legal and social oppression that he argued had been imposed under the guise of governance.

Pathalgadi Movement and Legal Reprieve

Hemant Soren also highlighted his administration’s efforts to address these challenges, notably mentioning the withdrawal of sedition cases linked to the Pathalgadi movement during his government’s first cabinet meeting. The Pathalgadi movement, which involved the installation of stone plaques declaring the autonomy of tribal villages, had sparked a series of legal battles that saw many tribal individuals prosecuted. Hemant Soren stressed that his government worked to restore the dignity of the community by dismissing these charges and providing employment opportunities to affected families, including the relatives of those who had lost their lives during conflicts.

A Call to Defend Tribal Rights and Identity

The Chief Minister’s rally served as a clarion call for voters to protect not just their political representation but the very essence of Jharkhand’s heritage and identity. “This election is not just about voting; it’s about preserving our state, our soil and our identity from being eroded,” Soren declared. He urged the community to safeguard their rights and support leaders who prioritize their welfare over political gains.

With elections approaching, Hemant Soren’s speech reinforced the significance of tribal unity and underscored the stakes of the ongoing political contest. His words resonated as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the indigenous population and a rallying cry for their continued resilience and participation in the democratic process.