Is the Tribal Population Dispensable in Opposition Politics?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The recent attack on BJP Lok Sabha member Khagen Murmu raises critical questions about the treatment of tribal communities in political discourse. This incident highlights the alarming trend of selective outrage in opposition politics, calling into question the priorities of major political players in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Khagen Murmu's attack raises questions about the treatment of tribal communities.
- The BJP aims to unite tribal voters ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
- Opposition parties face criticism for their silence on tribal issues.
- The shift in voter demographics could alter political dynamics.
- Relief operations amidst natural disasters remain a contentious political issue.
Kolkata, Oct 8 (NationPress) The assault on BJP Lok Sabha representative from West Bengal, Khagen Murmu, who belongs to a tribal community, highlights how the tribal population is viewed as "merely expendable" in the politics of selective outrage practiced not just by the Trinamool Congress but also by Congress and Left parties, the BJP remarked on Wednesday.
BJP’s Information Technology Cell chief and central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, released a statement on social media, questioning the silence of all opposition parties across the nation regarding the assault on Murmu, the two-time Lok Sabha member from the Maldaha (Uttar) constituency in Malda district of West Bengal.
“Those who constantly preach about caste seem to be conveniently quiet when a Tribal BJP MP is attacked by a violent Muslim mob in Bengal. Do the lives and dignity of Tribals not matter to Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, and the Left ecosystem? Are Tribals simply disposable in their politics of selective outrage?” Malviya questioned in his social media message.
Murmu's vehicle, along with the party's Chief Whip in the West Bengal Assembly, Shankar Ghosh, was targeted on Monday in Bamundanga, Jalpaiguri district while they were heading to Nagrakata with relief supplies for those affected by floods.
Murmu suffered severe injuries in the attack, allegedly carried out by supporters of the Trinamool Congress, while Ghosh sustained minor injuries. Both are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Siliguri, Darjeeling district.
Political analysts believe that Malviya intentionally included Congress and Left parties alongside Trinamool Congress in his remarks to rally voters from the Scheduled Tribe community in favor of the BJP ahead of the pivotal West Bengal Assembly elections next year.
The Scheduled Tribes make up a significant portion of the electorate in specific districts in both South and North Bengal. Since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, a majority of voters from this community, particularly in North Bengal, have shifted their allegiance to the BJP, evident in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well.
Traditionally, Scheduled Caste voters have formed a strong support base for the CPI(M)-led Left Front since 1977, marking the start of a 34-year period of Left Front governance in West Bengal.
These voters substantially shifted their support to the Trinamool Congress during the 2011 Assembly elections, ending the 34-year Left Front rule and ushering in the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
However, since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has gained significant support from Scheduled Caste voters in the state.
In another social media update, Malviya accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of falsely claiming on Tuesday that the Union government was not aiding rescue and rehabilitation efforts following the floods in North Bengal.
"She was misleading the public—as usual. The Central government has been actively facilitating relief operations, offering financial support, and deploying teams for rescue and restoration. The West Bengal administration is lacking in action. Instead of politicizing people's suffering, Mamata Banerjee should prioritize governance over grievance," he stated on X.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the systemic issues affecting tribal communities in political narratives. The attack on Khagen Murmu is a stark reminder of the need for genuine representation and respect for all communities in our political discourse. We must focus on fostering unity and understanding rather than divisiveness.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Khagen Murmu?
Khagen Murmu, a BJP Lok Sabha member, was attacked by a mob while delivering aid to flood-affected areas in West Bengal.
Why is this incident significant?
The attack highlights the perceived expendability of tribal populations in the politics of selective outrage among opposition parties.
What is the BJP's stance on this issue?
The BJP criticized the silence of opposition parties and emphasized the need for support and recognition of tribal communities.
How do tribal voters impact elections in West Bengal?
Tribal voters constitute a significant demographic, influencing election outcomes, particularly in regions of North and South Bengal.
What has been the trend among Scheduled Caste voters?
Since 2019, there has been a noticeable shift of Scheduled Caste voters toward the BJP, impacting the political landscape in West Bengal.
