PM Modi likely to clear proposal to grant ST status to six communities in Assam

NEW DELHI: With the BJP looking at Assam polls as a possible face-saver after the Bihar debacle, PM Modi is likely to clear the proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe status to six communities classified among Other Backward Classes in the state. Party chief Amit Shah and Assam in-charge Ram Madhav have urged the PM to do so on a priority so that fresh delimitation of seats can be undertaken.

Senior BJP leaders said the aim was to send the proposal to the Cabinet soon and then introduce it as a Constitution amendment bill in this Parliament session. Although the proposal was moved by the Congress government in the state, the BJP feels it has more to gain from accepting it. “Once the six backward communities — Moran, Muttock, Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Sootea and 36 Tea tribes — get the ST status, the number of reserved assembly seats will go up to almost 80 from the present 16 out of a total of 126. This will reduce the growing influence of Bangladeshi Muslims,” said a senior BJP leader.

“It will make Assam a tribal-dominated state and ensure that despite changes in demography, Assam’s politics will not be dictated by Bangladeshi Muslims,” the BJP leader told ET. The BJP has been expressing concern that illegal immigration will lead to demographic changes in the state. The 2011 Census shows the Muslims account for 34% of the population in Assam. This made the emerging pre-poll alliance between the Congress and AIUDF a matter of concern for the BJP. The PM has held consultations on the issue, officials said.

Security-related issues have been discussed with the NSA, a senior official said. Home and tribal affairs ministers are in the loop, as are agencies like the Registrar General of India, National Commission for STs and Anthropological Survey of India.