Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the new hero for the Tana Bhagats present in good numbers in Jharkhand. Considered as traditional supporters of the Congress, the tribe having actively participated in the freedom movement now feels that Modi is following the paths shown by Mahatma Gandhi in true sense and is especially overwhelmed by the PM's 'Swachh Bharat Mission'.
The diehard followers of the Father of the Nation have been considered close to the grand old party and its leaders and had extended their political support to it on all previous occasions. But the initiatives taken by the new regime at the Centre seem to have forced them to review their support.
"It is not sane to remain lakir ke fakir forever. The community is pleased to see Narendra Modi taking steps for making the country clean, the issue very close to the heart of Mahatma Gandhi. We are overwhelmed to see this happening after over 60 years of independence from the top level. We have thanked him for this and are looking forward to welcome Modiji in Jharkhand whenever he comes for an election rally," Tana Bhagat KD Guru, the chairperson of Jharkhand Pradesh Tana Bhagat Kalyan Samiti told The Pioneer.
The shift holds significance in the poll-bound State, especially in the areas where the community has considerable presence. The tribal group is in good numbers in Bero, Gumla, lohardaga and Hazaribagh and their opinion matters for the others as well due to their integrity and social commitment.
"It is well-known that Tana Bhagats are known for worshiping the tricolour only. We would not hoist the flag of any party but rather extend moral support to those who really uphold Mahatma Gandhi in their heart and deeds. We consider the BJP candidates in Gumla and lohardaga as representatives of Modiji who is none less than second Vivekananda the country has got. look the place our country has been getting after his appearance at the world stage," he adds further.
The NDA candidates from Gumla and lohardaga are Shivshankar Oraon and Kamal Kishore Bhagat, respectively.
The withdrawal of support to the Congress is not at all sudden and opportunist, reminded Soma Tana Bhagat, another member of the around 15,000 strong and politically active community.
"We are fighting for a respectable mausoleum at Bero for the 77 Tana Bhagats who sacrificed their lives fighting against the Britishers. In around 2009, we marched to Raj Bhawan while on fast demanding land and fund for that. We appealed to Sonia Gandhi, met Rahul Gandhi here and local big leaders, including Subodh Kant Sahay. Only hollow promises came to us, nothing else. Now this man Modi is looking to the politics beyond nepotism and instead puts ethics before anything. It is happening for the first time in the history of 66 years," said Soma, sadly mentioning that the martyr place still hoisted the trademark white flag half mast.
He also points out towards closure of a training centre at Dakra colliery near Khalari which was opened at the time of Indira Gandhi to provide training to the children of Tana Bhagats. "Sadly, the centre could not get recognition by the successive governments including of Congress' Bindeshwari Dubey of Bihar," said KD Guru hinting to the predicament of the community that considers farming an unreligious act and left with limited sources to earn livelihood.
Tana Bhagats also think that to reverse the situation in the State, one-party government both at the Centre and the State is the need of the hour which can be achieved by supporting the saffron party in this polls.
"We wish to welcome the PM in Ranchi with flowers when he arrives. It is looking difficult to meet him considering his security but we are planning to remain present at the airport in Ranchi to express our gratitude to him," says Soma.