Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Campaigns in Assam's Tea Belt for JMM Candidate
Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM supremo Hemant Soren launched a vigorous campaign in Upper Assam on Sunday, addressing a significant public rally at the Rajgarh tea estate playground in Dibrugarh district. The event was organized to bolster support for the party's Tingkhong candidate, Mahavir Baske, as the state approaches its electoral date.
Passionate Appeal to Tea Tribe Community
Speaking before a large gathering that included numerous tea garden workers and Adivasi members, Hemant Soren delivered a heartfelt appeal for their backing. "The tea tribe community of Assam has waited far too long for justice," he declared, emphasizing the historical contributions of their ancestors. "Your forebears arrived in this land, toiled relentlessly to build its renowned tea gardens with their sweat, and played a pivotal role in making Assam prosperous. Yet, decades later, you continue to struggle for your fundamental rights, identity, and dignity."
Soren positioned the JMM not as an external force but as an intrinsic ally, stating, "JMM has come to Assam not as an outsider, but as your own — to amplify your voices and champion your battles." His remarks resonated deeply, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the assembled crowd.
Strategic Mobilization of Tea Tribes
The JMM's electoral strategy in Assam is fundamentally centered on mobilizing the substantial tea tribe population, estimated at 60 to 70 lakh individuals. This community comprises groups such as Santhal, Munda, Oraon, and Kurukh, whose ancestors migrated from the Chhotanagpur region during the Colonial era. Since the JMM's return to power in Jharkhand in 2024, Hemant Soren has intensified his visits to Assam, consistently highlighting issues affecting tribal communities.
A core political grievance he has championed is the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for tea tribe communities in Assam. Notably, while these groups are recognized as STs in states like Jharkhand, they are classified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Assam. "It is a profound injustice that the tea community is denied ST status in Assam," Soren asserted. "This transcends mere politics; it is a matter of constitutional rights and human dignity. A JMM presence in the Assam assembly will ensure this fight reaches its rightful conclusion."
Direct Appeal to Tingkhong Voters
In a direct address to voters in the Tingkhong constituency, Soren urged them to support candidate Mahavir Baske, whom he described as intimately familiar with the community's realities. "Mahavir Baske is one of your own. He has lived through your struggles and understands your aspirations. Elect him to the assembly, and together we will script a new chapter for the tea tribes of Assam," he proclaimed.
Soren had previously emphasized that marginalized communities nationwide are looking to Jharkhand for leadership, vowing that the JMM would become the voice of tribals facing hardships anywhere — whether in Assam, Manipur, or other regions.
Broader Campaign Context
The Tingkhong rally is part of a broader JMM campaigning effort across tea belt constituencies in Upper Assam, strategically timed ahead of the April 9 poll date. This initiative underscores the party's commitment to expanding its influence beyond Jharkhand and addressing pan-Indian tribal issues.
The event highlighted key themes:
- Advocacy for ST status to secure better rights and recognition for tea tribes.
- Mobilization of a historically significant voter base ahead of crucial state elections.
- Strengthening JMM's presence in Assam through local candidate support.
As the campaign progresses, the focus remains on leveraging tribal solidarity and addressing long-standing grievances to shape electoral outcomes in the region.
