In a scathing attack on the Jharkhand government’s latest policy move, former Chief Minister Champai Soren has labeled the newly drafted PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) rules as a blatant betrayal of the tribal community. Speaking at a public rally in Ranchi, Soren, who hails from the Santhal tribe himself, accused the Hemant Soren administration of diluting the spirit of the PESA Act, which was meant to empower Gram Sabhas in scheduled areas with decision-making powers over land, water, and forests.
‘This is not implementation; this is treachery,’ Soren thundered, pointing out that the rules fail to grant veto powers to tribal councils, a key demand of indigenous groups. He claimed the draft, notified recently after years of delay, hands over excessive control to district authorities, undermining the autonomy promised under the 1996 legislation. Soren’s outburst comes amid growing unrest in tribal belts like Santhal Pargana and Kolhan, where communities fear losing their traditional rights to mining lobbies and industrial projects.
The controversy erupted last week when the state government released the PESA rules for public feedback, sparking protests from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) dissidents and tribal outfits. Soren, who resigned as CM in January amid a political crisis and later joined the BJP, has positioned himself as the true guardian of Adivasi interests. His remarks have deepened the rift within JMM, with loyalists accusing him of opportunism.
Responding sharply, Congress spokesperson Kumar Sankar urged Soren to ‘stop his baseless rants.’ ‘The PESA rules are a historic step towards tribal empowerment. Champai ji’s criticism is nothing but political vendetta,’ he said, highlighting provisions for Gram Sabha consent in development projects. Congress, part of the ruling INDIA alliance in Jharkhand, defended the draft as compliant with Supreme Court directives.
As the deadline for objections approaches, tribal leaders are mobilizing for statewide consultations. Soren has called for the rules to be scrapped and redrafted with direct input from Adivasi forums. The episode underscores the fragile politics of Jharkhand, where tribal votes hold sway in over 40 assembly seats. With assembly polls looming in 2024, this PESA showdown could reshape alliances and narratives in the mineral-rich state.