Tana Bhagats are a group of dhoti-kurta clad gentlemen, wearing Gandhian cap, who demand solution to their age-old problems in a peaceful manner, following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.
Their bugle and brass slate seldom get sounded for political reason. But it seems wind of politics has taken a tool on their image. Generally apolitical, the Tana Bhagats have now pitched in with their voice to salvage "troubled" boat of the Dishom Guru.
"We had gone to meet Shibu Soren when he was languishing in jail after getting lifer. He cried before us and asked whether the matter would come before the Supreme Court. I, by virtue of my yoga and salvation, assured him. After two months he got bail. This time as well, we have come to bail him out," said an emotional looking KD Guru, leading a batch of 22 Tana Bhagats, who came all the way from Bero near Ranchi to Shibu Soren's Dumka residence.
The staunch Gandhians believe that the 'Gandhi of Jharkhand' -how they define the JMM founder and lok Sabha candidate from Dumka - is in deep trouble and fighting the battle of his lifetime, and thus requires their help."He is the second Gandhi as he has given freedom to Jharkhand. Unfortunately, the State started badly and landed in deep trouble what we are facing today. Dishom Guru's defeat would be an irreparable damage to Jharkhand," added Guru and held JVM chief Babulal Marandi, who is contesting against Soren from Dumka, responsible for making life difficult for the battling leader.
The group comprises many men and women who played their identical tune when Soren came out to meet his supporters gathered at his residence. Tana Bhagats' support to Soren has been doubled also because of the JMM contesting the poll in alliance with the Congress.
"We have been supporting the Congress since our birth and do not know any other party. But Shibu Soren is above party politics for us. We have come here without being invited," says Soma Tana Bhagat (60). The Gandhians, though have little demands from the JMM chief, but none of those are for their personal gains.