Swarajya Ground Reports: Journey Through Jharkhand

Clear Split In Voting Preferences Between Tribals And OBCs

Dear Reader,

We are back with our ground reports with Banuchandar Nagarajan. This time he is in the poll-bound Jharkhand.

The first dispatch he sent from his Journey Through Jharkhand is a good primer on the 'History, Geography, Politics, And People of Jharkhand'.

In the dispatches after this one, we have the voices of Jharkhand’s citizens illuminating us on the evolving dynamics of the 2024 election.

The second dispatch is already here reflecting on how attention is heavily skewed towards tribal voters, leaving the OBCs feeling marginalized.

In Karaundi, the Sahu brothers—Pappu and Santosh—express their frustration with rising prices and the lack of focus on their community’s needs.

• Rising tensions: OBCs like the Sahus believe tribal communities gain disproportionate benefits from reservations and schemes, fueling a sense of exclusion.

• Political disconnect: The Sahu brothers support the BJP but criticize its candidate choices, which they feel contributed to recent losses in the region.

OBCs and tribals, though coexisting peacefully, remain socially separated, adding to the growing sense of political alienation.

Read in detail: With elections approaching, the question remains: Will the OBCs’ concerns be addressed, or will the focus stay on tribal voters?

More on Jharkhand assembly polls: Will Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das Contest In Jharkhand Election?

Until tomorrow,

Anmol N Jain