With RSS and waning influence in mind, Congress plans to reconnect with tribals

NEW DELHI: Worried over its waning influence amongst tribals, Congress has sent a word of caution to its state units — watch out for RSS and formulate targeted action plans to reconnect with the tribals.

Working on the directives of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, all states have been asked to identify specific tribal-related issues and draw out action plans on how to fight for the cause and involve tribals in party activities.

As a first step, Congress’ Scheduled Tribes department has restructured all the states’ ST cells and filled posts that have been lying vacant for years. Directions have been sent out to the states to hold one meeting on ST issues every month and address immediate ST issues.

Speaking to ET, Ajit Jogi, former chief minister and the present incharge of Congress’ Scheduled Tribes cell, said: "The tribals, especially in remote areas, have always been with Congress. We were the only party that took up the issues and recognised the right over their land. But over the years we have lost their support and faith steadily. This space has been filled by RSS, especially with their schools in remote tribal areas."

The central leadership has sent specific directions saying that RSS is trying to wedge a divide between Christian tribals and Hindu tribals and the Congress should bring this fact out.

"There have been large scale conversions when tribals turned towards Christianity. But the old rituals and our tribal Gods remain the same," Jogi said adding, "Now we know that RSS is trying to foment intolerance in the core tribal belt saying that Hindus cremate their dead, Christians do not. There are other differences which are being pointed and this agenda is dangerous. We have directed all state units to ensure that we go down to the grassroots and address these issues. Specific action plans need to be formulated."

How serious the party is about wooing the tribals back can be gauged from the fact that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s trusted lieutenant K Raju was deputed to Chintapalli in Andhra Pradesh to take up the cause of tribals.

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Competitive politics can mean achhe din for tribals

The Congress’ share of the tribal vote has steadily declined since 1967 — with the exception of the 1980 general elections which marked its best performance in the tribal belt. In the meantime, the BJP and affiliates have gained strength through grassroots efforts and state-level policies when in power. If the Congress turns to actions on the ground in its bid to regain influence, tribal populations would be the gainers. However, if they take the easy way out and attack the RSS, it would just mean business as usual with political parties trotting out the usual tricks to secure votebanks.