Janajati Morcha Rally ‘postponed’, Discontent in BJP Circles
In what is being seen as yet another blow to the BJP’s efforts to revive its Janajati Morcha, the much-publicized mega rally scheduled for August 9 on the occasion of World Indigenous Day has been abruptly cancelled.
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma made the announcement on Wednesday during a joining programme at 43 Miles under Krishnapur constituency, citing “inclement weather” as the reason. He used the word ‘postponed’ and did not give any other date for the proposed rally.
However, the explanation has drawn sharp scepticism, as the cancellation came three days in advance—raising questions about how the weather forecast could be so definitively predicted.
Behind the scenes, party insiders suggest the directive to cancel came straight from Delhi. The stated reason: the BJP should commemorate the day with a tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda rather than hold a political rally under the Janajati Morcha banner.
The now-scrapped rally was being billed as a major show of strength—intended to counter the growing influence of the TIPRA Motha in the hill regions and to inject new life into the BJP’s tribal wing ahead of the crucial TTAADC elections. Preparations were already in full swing. The sudden cancellation has sparked confusion, resentment, and demoralization among party cadres.
BJP insiders and Janajati Morcha grassroots workers are openly questioning the central leadership’s intent, suggesting that the decision may have been taken under pressure from another political ally or force—at the expense of its own tribal front. They warn that the move will only embolden the TIPRA Motha and further erode the BJP’s tribal base.
“Earlier our leadership put the Janajati Morcha to backward and allowed the TIPRA Motha to rise. Now , this is what they have done”.
“This was nothing short of political suicide. A hara-kiri,” rued a party worker, adding that ‘none kills a man who himself was going to commit suicide’, reflecting a sentiment increasingly common among the rank and file.
Meanwhile, TIPRA Motha is preparing to go ahead with its own Indigenous Day programme—a Homchang (torch) rally at the local level across the state on August 9. No postponement has been announced.
With the BJP’s rally cancelled and TIPRA Motha charging ahead, political observers predict the symbolic impact of the day could significantly shift tribal political momentum—away from the BJP and toward its regional rival.
|Also Read : Bishramganj tension: Transport services halted amid safety fears |
|Also read : Tripura BJP Janajati Morcha to Hold Mega Rally on August 9 for Tribal Development |
