Protests have erupted in Kandhamal district as the three major parties - BJP, BJD, and Congress - announced their candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Kui Samaj, a powerful tribal organization, is demanding the withdrawal of non-tribal candidates like BJD's Achyuta Samanta and Congress' Surada Pradhan and Pratibha Kanhar. The Samaj has threatened to call for a district-wide shutdown if their demands are not met and has expressed disappointment over the neglect of local tribal leaders in the selection of candidates.
Kandhamal Protests: Tribal Organization Demands Withdrawal of Non-Tribal Candidates
Background:
Kandhamal district in Odisha has long been a flashpoint for tribal-non-tribal tensions. The Kui Samaj, a powerful tribal organization, has been advocating for the rights of the Kui tribe and other marginalized communities in the region.
Current Protests:
Recent protests erupted in Kandhamal after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Indian National Congress (Congress) announced their candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Kui Samaj expressed outrage over the selection of non-tribal candidates by the three major parties.
The organization specifically targeted BJD candidate Achyuta Samanta, Congress candidates Surada Pradhan and Pratibha Kanhar, accusing them of neglecting the interests of the tribal community.
Demands:
The Kui Samaj has demanded the withdrawal of non-tribal candidates and has threatened to call for a district-wide shutdown if its demands are not met. They argue that the selection of non-tribal candidates undermines the principle of representation and marginalizes the tribal population.
Neglect of Tribal Leaders:
The Samaj has also expressed disappointment over the failure of the major parties to consider local tribal leaders as candidates. They allege that the parties have ignored the aspirations of the tribal community and are prioritizing political connections over merit.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Who is the Kui Samaj? The Kui Samaj is a tribal organization that represents the Kui tribe and other marginalized communities in Kandhamal district, Odisha.
2. Why are they protesting? They are protesting the selection of non-tribal candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections by the three major parties (BJP, BJD, and Congress).
3. What are their demands? They demand the withdrawal of non-tribal candidates and the selection of local tribal leaders.
4. What is the significance of this protest? This protest highlights the ongoing tensions between tribal and non-tribal communities in Kandhamal and raises concerns about the political representation of marginalized groups.
5. What has been the response from the political parties? The political parties have not yet publicly responded to the demands of the Kui Samaj.
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