Unity for tribal votes: Congress seeks alliance with JMM for Assam elections; Tribal electorate crucial for poll outcome

Ranchi: Less than a week after Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief Gaurav Gogoi met Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren in Ranchi to discuss a possible alliance with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for the Assam assembly election, its counterpart in the state remained hopeful that the tribal party will remain within the INDIA bloc to prevent a split in tribal electorate in the northeastern state.Bandhu Tirkey, senior Congress leader and one of the observes for Assam election, on Tuesday told TOI that the tribal population in 38 seats in Upper Assam region will play a key role in the outcome of the election. Attempts are being made to ensure that the INDIA bloc remains united, he said. Polling in Assam’s 126 assembly segments will be held in a single phase on April 9, and counting will take place on May 4. JMM, which has already announced to contest the election, is taking its time to make its plans public. Hemant addressed two rallies in Assam in the buildup to the election.“The CM’s visits have certainly raised hopes among section of tribals there (Assam) as the Adivasis there have been duped for a long time. The outgoing govt did nothing to address their issues, and there is a strong urge among the people for a change. In such situation, a united INDIA bloc will always be an advantage to prevent division of votes,” said Tirkey.Tirkey added that Gogoi-led delegation had met Hemant as Congress wants to contest the election with its allies and like minded outfits. “We are waiting to hear from Hemant Sorenji and his party on their plans,” said Tirkey before leaving for Assam. Tirkey claimed 70 lakh tribals belonging to Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh have been living in Assam since decades after moving there to work in the tea estates.“However, they are till date struggling to get ST status there. This apart, they are also devoid of land pattas under Forest Rights Act, and decent wages. At least in 38 seats in upper Assam region, tribal population could be a game changer,” he said. When contacted, JMM general secretary Vinod Pandey said the party will reveal its gameplan soon. “In next two-three days, all details regarding Assam poll will be revealed. JMM will certainly contest and hence we have already announced the list of star campaigners for the election on Monday,” he said.