Assam tribal body calls for poll boycott of BJP

Ahead of elections on April 9, a tribal organisation from Assam has urged indigenous communities to either boycott the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or deny it their vote.

In a statement on April 6, the All Assam Sons of the Soil Indigenous Kochari Somaj accused the BJP-led State government of neglecting and undermining the rights of the tribal communities. It also said the government is trying to weaken their indigenous identity by placing six communities in a “protected class”.

The six communities are Adivasi (tea tribes), Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, and Tai-Ahom. The existing tribes want the government to guarantee that their rights and privileges would not be eroded before granting the Scheduled Tribe status to these six communities.

“The BJP and its government are communal and anti-tribal in nature… Even though the BJP leadership claims to work for all sections, their actual policies and actions have undermined the political, social, economic, and educational rights of indigenous communities,” the statement signed by Manas Rabha, Nilsing Mushahary, and Pabitra Sonowal, read.

“Despite promises, the indigenous communities are not receiving adequate opportunities, facilities, or rightful recognition. Hence, we call upon all indigenous people to unite and refrain from supporting the BJP in this election,” the organisation said.