Before the upcoming assembly elections, an important change is being seen in the politics of Assam. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the main political party of the tribal-dominated state of Jharkhand, has announced full support to Assam’s regional party Jai Bharat Party (JBP). The main objective of this alliance is to solve the long-standing problems of the tribal and tea tribe communities of Assam.
Jai Bharat Party, formed about two years ago with the cooperation of various tribal organizations, groups and communities of Assam, has now got the strong support of JMM. Both the parties are contesting elections together on a common platform and are making strategies to solve the socio-economic issues of the communities by gaining political power. In this assembly election, this alliance has fielded joint candidates on 18 seats, which indicates a new direction in the politics of Assam.
support of former militants
This political initiative has also received open support from members of former tribal militant organizations who have now returned to the mainstream. Notably, Sahil Munda, who has previously been a top leader of a militant organization, is contesting from Sarupathar assembly constituency. Under his leadership, many former members are playing an active role in supporting Jai Bharat Party and JMM this time.
growing political influence
According to party leaders, their main objective of contesting the elections is to solve the age-old problems of their community. Sahil Munda said that this is just the beginning and tribal and tea tribe communities play a decisive role in about 40 assembly seats of Assam. He also said that in future this alliance will contest elections on all these seats and will also ensure its participation in the Lok Sabha elections. He believes that in the coming times, Jai Bharat Party and JMM will emerge as an important force in the politics of Assam.
Emphasis on tribal rights
The alliance has made it clear that their main goal is to free the tribal and tea tribe communities from the exploitation and neglect they have been facing for years. Special emphasis is being laid on providing tribal status (ST status) and solving other basic problems.
Sahil Munda also alleged that many tribal militants who had surrendered in the last three years have not received any adequate assistance from the government. He said that many of these people are today forced to earn their living by doing daily wage labour.
New equation in Assam politics
This alliance of Jai Bharat Party and JMM is moving towards creating a new equation in the politics of Assam. Tribal and tea tribe communities, which have long played an important role in government formation, may now emerge as an organized political force.
Political analysts believe that due to the activeness of this alliance, a big change can be seen in the politics of Assam in the coming times, in which the role of tribal leadership can become stronger with the possibility of becoming a tribal Chief Minister.
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