West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has introduced a series of initiatives to establish a stronger connection between her party and the tribal communities within the state. Simultaneously, she has strategically utilized the Manipur violence, which involves clashes between the indigenous Kukis and Meitei communities, as a means to challenge the BJP in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Chief Minister inaugurated statewide celebrations at Jhargram Stadium on Wednesday, with separate events organized in each block of 15 Adivasi-dominated districts to commemorate the occasion.
“On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let’s celebrate their vibrant traditions, art, and heritage that enrich our state’s identity. Let’s pledge to walk alongside our Adivasi brethren,” Banerjee tweeted.
“May the people of this State, this nation, and the world at large rise above differences of caste, creed, religion, and race to uphold and protect the rights of indigenous peoples, because this isn’t just about one community; it’s about humanity,” she added.
Banerjee emphasized that the “cultural tapestry of Bengal is woven with threads from diverse indigenous communities.” Currently on a three-day administrative tour of Jhargram district, which predominantly houses indigenous people, her visit holds significance given the Trinamool Congress’s intention to leverage the Manipur violence as a rallying point against the BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. In Manipur, the indigenous Kuki community has been targeted by the Meitei community.
With Parliamentary elections less than a year away, Banerjee’s aim is to assess the ground support within this previously troubled region. Her regular visits to the remote Jungle Mahal area reflect her priority of closely monitoring and engaging with the local population.
“Her visit to Jhargram this time is significant both as a Chief Minister and a political leader. She inaugurated several projects for the tribal people and announced her Government’s next plan for the welfare of the community. In addition, the Chief Minister repeatedly told the tribal people of Bengal how their Kuki brethren in Manipur are being targeted,” shared a senior Trinamool leader.
To ensure widespread participation, District Magistrates from 15 districts were directed to virtually connect with the Jhargram program. Several departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Panchayats, Animal Resources Development, and Backward Classes Welfare, were instructed to select tribal community members as beneficiaries of welfare schemes and extend invitations to Mamata’s events in all blocks of the 15 districts.