Jharkhand Assembly Election: In whose favor is the math of 71% tribal voters?


Tribal voters are once again going to play a decisive role in the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand. About 71% of the total population of the state comes from tribal communities, which plays an important role in influencing the power equation in the 81-seat assembly.
Role of tribal voters
The inclination of tribal voters has always been a topic of discussion in Jharkhand politics. Other parties including Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress have intensified their strategies to woo tribal voters.
Main issues
Rights to land and water-forest:
The tribal community is very sensitive about their traditional land rights and control over natural resources.
Employment and education:
Backwardness in the field of employment and education is a big issue for tribal youth, about which political parties are making many promises.
Fifth Schedule of the Constitution and Local Policy:
It is challenging for the parties to focus on the protection and development of tribal areas under the Fifth Schedule.
Who has the upper hand?
JMM, which has long enjoyed the traditional support of the tribal community, is facing a strong challenge from the BJP this time. At the same time, the Congress is dependent on the alliance to strengthen its hold on the tribal vote bank.
What do experts say?
Political experts believe that this time tribal voters will vote keeping in mind local issues, while the impact of national politics will be limited to some extent.
In the upcoming elections, the mathematics of tribal voters will decide who will hold the key to power in Jharkhand.