Jamshedpur.
Former Chief Minister Champai Soren, while addressing the Adivasi Mahadarbar at XLRI auditorium on Sunday, made a big announcement against Tata Steel and the state government. He categorically stated that this time, the lease renewal of Tata company will not be allowed. Champai alleged, “Tata has always taken land from the tribals, but never protected their interests.”
Call for Land Rights Movement
In his nearly two-hour speech, Soren declared that from December 22, a new chapter of the Bhumi Adhikar Andolan (Land Rights Movement) will begin from Bhognadih. He claimed that around five lakh tribals will participate in this movement. Warning the government and corporations, he said – “If our rights continue to be ignored, we will fight from the streets to the assembly.”
Failure to Implement PESA Act
Soren accused the current government of being insensitive towards tribal interests. He said that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he had reviewed the PESA Act and tried to strengthen Gram Sabhas economically, but the present government is not willing to implement it.
Reference to Nagdi Ploughing Incident
He recalled the Nagdi ploughing incident, saying that the government had turned the area into a cantonment to stop tribals, yet the community registered victory. Referring to tribal icons like Tilka Manjhi, Sidho-Kanhu, and Birsa Munda, Soren said, “They fought for water, forest, and land, and now we must carry forward the same tradition.”
Accusation of Land Grab through Donation Deeds
Soren alleged that lands are being grabbed by bypassing CNT-SPT Acts through so-called “donation deeds.” He added that during the traditional Baishi Sabha to be held in Bhognadih on December 22, a decision will be taken to reclaim such lands.
Comments on Reservation and Education
The former CM further said that industrialists have taken thousands of hectares of land in Jharkhand and Odisha, but the tribal society has not benefitted. He stressed that those who have abandoned tribal lifestyle or converted to other religions should not get reservation benefits. He also criticized the discontinuation of local language education, which had been started during his tenure.
Views of Nisha Oraon and Intellectuals
On the occasion, former IT officer and ex-Director of Panchayati Raj, Nisha Oraon, stated that the High Court has ordered the immediate implementation of the PESA Act. She emphasized that those who have abandoned tribal lifestyle cannot be considered tribals. Prof. Jyotindra Besra, Supreme Court advocate Subhashish Soren, and many other intellectuals also expressed their views.
Anger Over Power Cuts
The program witnessed power cuts twice, which angered Champai Soren. He said, “Such attempts cannot suppress the voice of the tribal society.”