The tribals in Madhya Pradesh are continuously making to make their presence felt in the political arena. The assertion of tribal identity happened with the formation of Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) nearly 16 years ago.
However, later on, the GGP leaders including Manmohan Singh Batti remained silent.
However, in the last Assembly elections, Adivasi Yuwa Shakti (JAYS) emerged and its strength was analysed with the huge public rally conducted by it. Later, the new outfit was found a ploy of former chief minister Digvijay Singh.
JAYS candidates contested on Congress tickets and their en mass and tactical voting influenced results in Barwani, Jhabua, Alirazpur and Dhar districts. Only JAYS founder and doctor-turned-politician Heeralal Alawa could reach the State assembly.
JAYS is planning to contest in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. This could be a dampener for the ruling Congress, which seeks to make gains in the state.
While talking to ‘The Pioneer’ Alawa said that his party was mulling to field independent candidates, if fails to get into coalition with any party.
Some recent events could threaten the BJP’s prospects in these constituencies as well as elsewhere. The controversy over the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities Act) and the differing stances of BJP leaders on the issue have created a sense of confusion among tribal voters and upper-caste voters.
Among the constituencies where Congress gained over the BJP are Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Tikamgarh, Dewas, Rajgarh, Shahdol, Mandla, Ratlam, Dhar and Betul.
Of the 11 seats- Shahdol, Mandla, Ratlam, Dhar and Betul–are reserved seats. The tribal population is also sizable in Khargone reserved constituency.