In the politics of Jharkhand, Santhal Pargana has always played an important role in power. Even in the present government, the Chief Minister, Assembly Speaker and many ministers come from Santhal Pargana division. Out of total 81 seats in Jharkhand Assembly, there are 18 assembly seats in Santhal Pargana. This pargana with 18 seats is the pargana of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who is leading the Jharkhand government.
The Barhet assembly seat from which CM Hemant Soren is contesting is also in Santhal Pargana. This Pargana plays an important role in determining the power of Jharkhand. Therefore, the focus of all political parties remains on winning the Santhals. Santhal seats have become a sticking point for the ruling coalition as it is Shibu Soren’s home constituency. BJP is also following the strategy of cornering the opponent in his own home and stronghold.
Santhal tribe has the highest participation
The Santhal tribe, which is the largest section of the tribal community in the state’s population, also has the highest share in its population. A large part of the Santhal tribe resides in Santhal Pargana and the message of the political mood here also influences the Santhal voters living in the Dhanbad-Giridih area. Hemant Soren himself is from Santhal tribe. In such a situation, BJP is making one move after another to woo the Santhal tribes.
Infiltration, water and forests have always been emotional issues in Pargana. That is why BJP is raising issues of land jihad, love jihad and job jihad along with the schemes of the central government in this area. Even the Prime Minister has raised the issue of infiltration and demographic change loudly in his meetings. BJP has advised all its star campaigners to focus on these issues.
BJP’s strategy to counter from Shibu Soren family itself
Not only this, BJP’s strategy is to counter JMM’s bet on tribal identity in Santhal through Mandal Murmu, a descendant of Shibu Soren’s family, Sita Soren and Sidho-Kanhu. The party is also linking Champai’s removal from the post of CM with tribal identity among the public. BJP is also vocally raising the issue of changing demography and infiltration of Bangladeshi citizens in Santhal Pargana and has also given place to it in its manifesto.
BJP excited after first round of voting
Actually, BJP is very excited after the first round of voting. BJP leaders have claimed that the public is able to connect with the issues being raised by BJP. Meaning it is having a direct impact. Therefore, BJP is relying on emotional issues in this area of Santhal Pargana. Meanwhile, the demand for Sarna Dharma Code is being made for a long time and it is being considered as an important step to recognize and preserve the identity and culture of the tribals. They are harmonizing on that. Sarna Dharma is a primitive religion of the Indian religious tradition. It is followed by many tribals of the plateau areas of Chhotanagpur. Tribal groups have also staged protests in many states demanding the Sarna Code. Now Hemant Soren is openly in support of it.
Seven seats out of 18 reserved for Scheduled Tribes
There are a total of 18 seats in Santhal Pargana, out of which seven seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and one seat for SC. 10 seats are normal. Barhet, Dumka, Shikaripada, Maheshpur, Littipara, Borio and Jama assembly seats are reserved for ST. Deoghar seat is reserved for Scheduled Caste. The list of general seats includes Jamtara, Godda, Madhupur, Sarath, Jarmundi, Podaiyahat, Mahagama, Pakur, Rajmahal and Nala.
Attempt to break in through triple jihad
In the 2019 assembly elections, BJP’s performance on general seats was decent. Now only BJP is trying to make a dent in the seats held by JMM. On one hand, BJP is trying to make a dent in JMM’s territory through Triple Jihad, while on the other hand, Hemant Soren has also played a masterstroke by taking a positive stance in the matter of Sarna religion. Although the BJP leaders had agreed to the implementation of the Sarna Code while releasing the manifesto, but seeing the line being different from its mother organization RSS, the BJP is now maintaining silence on this issue.
