On Sunday evening when reasonably big ground in the heart of Dumka town turned jam packed and filled with over 15,000 people to ‘listen’ 3D avatar of Narendra Modi a novice can mistook it yet another manifestation of the ‘sweeping Modi wave’.
Though after scratching the ground a bit, one can realise that the theatre-like setup coupled with intelligent use of technology are playing out the euphoria. Even a staunch supporter of the BJP is instead praying for fiercer battle between vintage Shibu Soren and one who labeled as future of Jharkhand politics Babulal Marandi to make its ground in Dumka.
Both the Santhal leaders are working to erode vote banks of each other which are confined within most of the tribal families. “We know only teer-dhanush (poll symbol of JMM) and Disom Guru (what Shibu Soren is popularly known as). We have not seen anyone and heard anyone,” said Baburam Hembrom, 50, of Koam village falling under Jama Assembly constituency.
But amid the ‘only-one-figure’ scenario there is a glimmer of hope what Babulal Marandi’s JVM sees. “Old Santhals are still with the JMM but new generation is cracking and questioning the tenure of Shibu Soren. In my village Kusbadiya, the Santhals are equally divided for and against the JMM,” said lochan Kisku.
In most of the meetings, the JMM hits its bête noire Babulal calling him as a traitor, one who spoiled Jharkhand and the leader with hand in glove with outsider Dikus. “It was Marandi who talked about reforms in the SPT Act. What kind of reform he is talking aboutIJ If SPT Act is amended not a piece of land would remain with Santhals and all would go to the wealthy outsiders,” said Vijay Singh, central general secretary of the party.
On the other hand, the JMM is not talking about missing basic facilities at ground level, pathetic condition of Santhals, lack of employment opportunities for them, mass level migration and malnourishment among their children. Nevertheless, the JVM is pouching the opportunity by both hands.
“Shibu Soren’s position is very dicey this time. By all possibilities he would fare on the third spot after the results. People are asking what has he done in the past and what will he able to do in future considering his poor health and age,” said Praveen Singh of JVM. The criticism holds water when the vintage leader could barely stand on his feet for less than a minute at a meeting at Amrapahari and spoke just three lines at the end of his one hour stay. Clearly the JMM is showcasing his face to arrest the slide.
Now, here comes the real opportunity for the BJP. Already relying on ‘Modi factor’ the saffron party is nether bothered about its lesser known candidate Sunil Soren nor have complains against the JMM-JVM exchanging jibes.
“We have our cadres who are active. We are getting good support in urban centres and considerable groundswell in villages. People are aware about both the leaders and have tested them,” said BJP leader Raghuvar Das, camping in Dumka. It is important to note that the RSS has been quite active in the tribal belt and had played pivotal role in making Babulal Marandi MP from Dumka on two consecutive occasions in 1998 and 1999 against the Sorens.
The BJP is also happy that more the titans fight each other lesser attack would be on Sunil Soren and Narendra Modi. This seems to be working as well. “Change should be there. He is for just 35 years. NaMo wave is there though candidate is not good,” said Aklu Mandal, former Sarpanch of Amraphari.Aklu’s wishes for the change and choice of his replacement should be enough for the JMM and the BJP, though contrarily!