JMM, Cong. bid to divide society, undermine tribal rights won’t succeed: BJP

2026-05-25 · 3 min

UPSC CSE Context Why in News: BJP leader Babulal Marandi accused JMM Congress of divisive politics over tribal rights and PESA Act rules. Syllabus Connection: Polity: Tribal rights, PESA Act, and political dynamics in Scheduled Areas. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on tribal governance, PESA implementation, and identity politics in Jharkhand. Core Issue Political clash over tribal identity, PESA rules, and worship sites in Jharkhand. Key Development: BJP alleges JMM Congress undermining tribal customs via new PESA rules and vote bank politics. Stakeholders: Tribal communities in Jharkhand Static Knowledge High Value Background: PESA Act 1996 extends Panchayat Raj to Scheduled Areas, empowering gram sabhas in tribal governance. Jharkhand has 32 33 recognized tribes; Sarna is a tribal religious code distinct from Hinduism. Exam Linkage: Useful for questions on tribal rights, PESA Act implementation, and political mobilization in tribal regions. Concepts in Context: Sarna: indigen

## UPSC CSE Context **Why in News:** BJP leader Babulal Marandi accused JMM-Congress of divisive politics over tribal rights and PESA Act rules. **Syllabus Connection:** Polity: Tribal rights, PESA Act, and political dynamics in Scheduled Areas. **Exam Relevance:** Relevant for questions on tribal governance, PESA implementation, and identity politics in Jharkhand. ## Core Issue Political clash over tribal identity, PESA rules, and worship sites in Jharkhand. **Key Development:** BJP alleges JMM-Congress undermining tribal customs via new PESA rules and vote-bank politics. **Stakeholders:** - Tribal communities in Jharkhand ## Static Knowledge **High-Value Background:** - PESA Act 1996 extends Panchayat Raj to Scheduled Areas, empowering gram sabhas in tribal governance. - Jharkhand has 32-33 recognized tribes; Sarna is a tribal religious code distinct from Hinduism. **Exam Linkage:** - Useful for questions on tribal rights, PESA Act implementation, and political mobilization in tribal regions. **Concepts in Context:** - Sarna: indigenous tribal religion emphasizing nature worship, distinct from Hinduism. - Divide and Rule: colonial strategy alleged to be used by Congress for vote-bank politics. **Institutions and Mechanisms:** - Panchayat Extension Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act: governs local self-governance in tribal areas. - Gram Sabha: key institution under PESA for decision-making on customary resources. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Polity and Governance - PESA rules notified in January 2025 by Jharkhand government are alleged to undermine tribal customary systems. - BJP's criticism highlights tension between state-level PESA implementation and tribal autonomy. - Dispute over worship sites (Sarna Masna, Jaherthan) reflects land rights and cultural preservation issues. - Political parties use tribal identity for electoral mobilization, risking communal polarization. ### Society and Culture - Marandi's assertion that Sarna, Sanatana, and Hindu traditions are similar blurs distinct tribal identities. - Claim that 'one is born Hindu' contrasts with conversion narratives, fueling identity debates. - Over 700 tribes in India have diverse customs; homogenization under 'Hindu' umbrella is contested. - Preservation of tribal worship sites is linked to cultural survival and land rights. ### Federalism - PESA Act is central legislation; state rules can alter its impact on tribal self-governance. - Jharkhand's new PESA rules may conflict with constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Areas. - State-level political dynamics influence implementation of central tribal welfare laws. ## Prelims Takeaways - PESA Act 1996 applies to Scheduled Areas in 10 states, empowering gram sabhas. - Sarna is a tribal religion code in Jharkhand, distinct from Hinduism. ## Mains Value Addition **Arguments:** - PESA Act's effectiveness depends on state rules; political interference can undermine tribal autonomy. - Tribal identity politics can lead to social fragmentation and communal tensions. **Examples:** - Jharkhand's new PESA rules (January 2025) alleged to weaken customary systems. **Counterpoints:** - Marandi's equation of Sarna with Hinduism may be seen as appropriation of tribal identity. - BJP's criticism could be politically motivated to counter JMM-Congress tribal outreach. ## Way Forward - Ensure PESA rules are framed in consultation with gram sabhas and tribal representatives. - Protect tribal worship sites through legal recognition and anti-encroachment measures. - Promote dialogue between political parties to depoliticize tribal identity issues. - Strengthen institutional mechanisms like Tribal Advisory Council for policy oversight.

Source: News