The election of Droupadi Murmu to the highest office of India brings in a whiff of fresh air when the political atmosphere is vitiated in communal as well as dynastic politics. A humble tribal woman, Murmu rose from a teacher in remote Raurangpur of Odisha, worked as a junior assistant in the Irrigation department of the State and was finally elected as the first tribal president of India. She has been a true fighter in life, having battled poverty in one of the most underdeveloped districts since her childhood before getting a political honour in 2007 when she was awarded by the Odisha Legislative Assembly as the best MLA.
While the BJP takes the credit for backing an Adivasi for the country’s highest constitutional post, there are crucial aspects the saffron brigade has looked at while tactically zeroing down on Murmu. The Narendra Modi-led government has played a masterstroke in the political chessboard by trying to woo the Adivasis and tribals with her presidential position and also win their confidence ahead of the 2024 elections.
The move to project Murmu as a presidential face, at a time when BJP left scars on those espousing tribal causes, appears to be shrewdly aimed at applying a balm, while also eyeing its political goals. Away from the projection of being an accommodative party, the BJP has been very calculative when it comes to electoral politics, and the understanding behind Murmu's candidature is as clear as daylight.
The BJP is riding on Murmu’s Adivasi background, her calm demeanour and easy-going nature and attempting to cash in to build new bridges with tribals and reap dividends at the hustings.
However, at this point, Murmu’s presidentship cannot be construed as the BJP’s step toward the resolution of tribal issues. Tribals have been at odds with the government for a long time and have been consistently fighting for their rights, dignity and better representation. The Centre has done nothing to empower and grant autonomy to them. Rather, those standing up for tribal causes have been treated ruthlessly. In Goa, tribals are fighting for forest land rights, protection of agricultural fields, quotas and employment. Dwelling rights have been given to only 319 people so far. Setting up a tribal research centre and museum is going at a snail’s pace.
The election of a tribal President is no guarantee that there are better days ahead for the community, or that all pending issues are going to be resolved immediately. Upliftment of tribals, whether in Goa or other States is not guaranteed with the mere election of Murmu. More than the presidential election, it requires the will of the powers of the day.
However, Murmu raises a new hope. A hope that she could work towards the upliftment of tribals and work towards their welfare. There will be an expectation from the president of being an ambassador of peace and a healer. It remains to be seen whether she will have a voice of her own and show independence of authority, or whether she will be silenced by the dictates of the government.
