Tribal leaders oppose delimitation move plans statewide mobilisation

Pioneer News Service, Ranchi

A state-level meeting of tribal leaders, intellectuals, former bureaucrats, and social representatives was held at the Ranchi Press Club on Sunday to discuss the potential impact of the proposed Lok Sabha and Assembly delimitation exercise on the tribal community.

The meeting focused on issues related to tribal political representation, protection of reserved constituencies, constitutional rights, and future strategies to safeguard the interests of indigenous communities. Among those present were former Jharkhand Education Minister Bandhu Tirkey and Sukhdeo Bhagat.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Bandhu Tirkey announced that an all-party meeting on delimitation would be held on June 17, where representatives of various political parties would discuss the issue and its implications for tribal communities.

He further said that a large gathering of tribal organizations and community representatives would be organized in Ranchi on August 2 to deliberate on delimitation and other pressing issues affecting the tribal population.

Speaking on the occasion, Sukhdeo Bhagat clarified that the tribal community was not opposed to delimitation as a constitutional process. However, he stressed that the government must ensure that the exercise does not adversely affect demographic balance or reduce tribal political representation.

“We are not against delimitation, but tribal reserved seats should not be reduced merely on the basis of population figures if it weakens the political voice of indigenous communities,” Bhagat said.

The meeting was attended by former Ranchi Mayor Rama Khalkho, tribal rights activist Gladson Dungdung, Vasavi Kiro, along with academicians, social activists, and retired bureaucrats. Participants emphasized the need for wider consultations and a united approach to ensure that any future delimitation exercise protects the constitutional and political rights of tribal communities.