DNA EXPLAINED: How crucial are tribals of Bengal? Why is TMC, BJP wooing them so desperately

In West Bengal, the political posturing for the assembly elections to be held early next year has begun. Both BJP and TMC are eyeing the tribal community of Bengal. To feed the lotus in Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah started the two-day Bengal tour earlier this month from the tribal stronghold Bankura district. After Shah's visit, now Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also reached Bankura to help the tribals.

Addressing a public meeting in Khatra in Bankura on Monday, Mamata Banerjee has made many promises and big announcements to bring tribal voters to the TMC's court. During this time, Mamta has announced a political holiday in the state from next year on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda (November 15). Not only this, but Mamta also targeted Amit Shah's Bankura Yatra and said that eating food at the home of a tribal was an election stunt.

Mamta Banerjee said that her government respects society's specific people and developing economically backward people. She said, "32 thousand migrant laborers got work in Bankura. We promised tribal families that those who do not have houses would be given pucca houses. As soon as a government is formed in Bengal, we will extend the coverage of free ration. We are taking better care of the tribal people."

Home Minister Amit Shah recently visited Bengal for two days. Starting his tour from Chaturdahi village in Bankura, Shah also ate food in the house of tribal Vibhishan Hansda. During his tour in Bengal, he laid the foundation stone of the statue of Birsa Munda, who was a big face of the tribals.

Role of tribal voters in Bengal
Birsa Munda is worshiped by the people of the tribal community in West Bengal like God. This is why from Amit Shah to Mamta Banerjee, through the Birsa Munda, the stakes of stirring the tribal society of Bengal are gone. In this way, both BJP and TMC are eyeing the vote bank of the tribal community, which is about 11 percent of the total population. The role of Dalits, tribals, scheduled castes, tribes is crucial to winning the Bengal elections.

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in the tribal area, BJP's performance was much better than TMC. TMC had suffered politically in Junglemahal and North Bengal. There are a large number of tribals in this area. In western and north Bengal, tribals voted heavily in support of the BJP.

Out of the ten seats reserved in West Bengal, only four seats could win TMC, while six seats went to BJP's account. It was clear from the Lok Sabha elections that in the year 2021 assembly elections, there will be a tough fight between Mamata Banerjee and BJP. A decade ago, the BJP, which was marginalized in state politics, has become the number two-party and now wants to become the number one party. At the same time, now Mamata Banerjee has also reached among the tribals and is strengthening her political equation. It is to see who wins the hearts of tribals in this time's election.