Soren trudges on rugged turf of Tamar
Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Friday, December 26, 2008 (Front page)
Tamar is drenched in political colour and is ready to turn into a war platform for political heavyweights who are rushing here with bags of promises. The campaign which started with a whimper in the beginning is now roaring; however the tone is raucous.
So far, electorates have kept their cards close to their chest leaving candidates to grope in dark for answers. In fact, the people here like to bask in the rare glory of the frequent visits of candidates and leaders of both descript and non-descript identities. But indications and warning are in air—it would be a close fight and none should expect an easy win.
However, Chief Minister Shibu Soren, contesting as the UPA candidate, is not an air-dropped candidate or forced candidate. He is in the contest which was evident from the fact that the mere rumour of Soren's presence conjured an excited gathering in the market place of Tamar. What favours him is his stature as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and his supporters are now selling the dream of an astounding development of Tamar if people voted him to power form the place.
Supported with the other allies of the UPA, Soren has now gathered courage to say that he could be the vanguard of development. Meeting and greeting people of the village situated on the flanks of National Highway 33 which passes through Tamar, Soren assures: "I have the key to solve your problems… Let me win first and results would be delivered at your doorstep by January 15."
The caravan of Soren consisting a dozen of vehicles moves to Palna village situated at the receiving end of the political boundary of Tamar and in terms of development also. Both Palna and Bhuiyadiha are close to each other and survive on tomato economy which is now staggering.
The wholesale markets of tomato sprawling on the flank of this national highway are the sole providers of tomato across the kitchens of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Delhi. But it has so far failed to carry prosperity for the farmers and suppliers. The reason as Dinesh Mahto cites constitutes as the main pole plank for the people. "The area is undeveloped so far, no facility to preserve and transport our goods has been provided by the Government so far…this time people should bargain," he says in an agitated tone.
People bargained with Soren for vote they would cast in his favour. The village head, Shivcharan Singh Munda, presents a set of demand including bridge over river Palna, supply of power, lift irrigation and facilities for the poor people.
Soren uses the occasion to shrug off his image as an outsider as non-panchparganiya. Here he addressed a gathering of nearly 100 villagers of all age and emphasised that he was not an outsider. "I fought for separate Jharkhand. Right now, I can not promise but assure that Tamar would see the light of development." How can Soren forget to pass homily. Two homilies at a time- one is political- another is all about social reform. "Do not waste your votes and abstain from form alcoholism…both are essential for your development." People nod in confirmation to the words of this leader who recently received the title of Jagat Guru from his followers.
Soren leaves for Rargaon village leaving behind a trail of thick dust. The dust would settle within two days, remark comes from a 55 years old villager, Madhav Oraon who recently developed an interest in politics. But more or less people are taking Soren seriously as a strong contender who could not be dismissed so easily. But for Vasundhara Munda, the situation is not as good as predicted earlier.
However, for AJSU workers who had been celebrating the birth anniversary of another martyr of the movement of separate Jharkhand at main road, January 8 would bring sorrow for Soren. AJSU supporters had a usual jeer at Soren when Soren entered in the village --- Bahar wala aa gaya vote mangne aa gaya (outsider has come to ask for votes). They also explained the intrinsic caste structure which to them was sure not to work in his favour. The village has the strong presence of AJSU and Jharkhand Party.
Soren is not wrong in his assurance. Let his political rivals Jharkhand Party and Janata Dal United blame him for violating the model code of conduct --- the electricity department has installed five such transformers within a day and power is supplied at least for 15 hours. It is a tactical move, Soren and his supporters seem to have learned that it was power supplied through these transformers, not the power of words that would decide the matter. But for a young man, Raja Peter, who is contesting as the nominee of the Jharkhand Party whom his followers gave a nomenclature: A native version of Robin Hood simply dismisses the presence of Soren. It is the Chief Minister who is fighting with all his administrative cronies, he says. He spares some time talk to this correspondent at Uluhatu where he was campaigning along with his followers; mostly youths.
He is in razor-edged fight with Soren, and Soren with his renewed vigour is enough to put Peter and his party on tenterhooks. One of his supporters, Sanjay at Dewari, who will cast his vote for the first time said: "Peter has concern for the people and he is one who comes to help the people, besides he is young."
At Babykund village, situated half kilometer away from Dewari temple where Peter used to reside till four years back people are united in their opinion. Message is loud- election would be interesting and very close.
But at Salgadih, there was a unique mixture of cricket with politics. Young boys in their 25s playing cricket here have no problem who wins the election. Whom will they vote? We will vote for the candidate who supplies us with cricket kitbag, it was a joint decision passed by them.
So far, electorates have kept their cards close to their chest leaving candidates to grope in dark for answers. In fact, the people here like to bask in the rare glory of the frequent visits of candidates and leaders of both descript and non-descript identities. But indications and warning are in air—it would be a close fight and none should expect an easy win.
However, Chief Minister Shibu Soren, contesting as the UPA candidate, is not an air-dropped candidate or forced candidate. He is in the contest which was evident from the fact that the mere rumour of Soren's presence conjured an excited gathering in the market place of Tamar. What favours him is his stature as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and his supporters are now selling the dream of an astounding development of Tamar if people voted him to power form the place.
Supported with the other allies of the UPA, Soren has now gathered courage to say that he could be the vanguard of development. Meeting and greeting people of the village situated on the flanks of National Highway 33 which passes through Tamar, Soren assures: "I have the key to solve your problems… Let me win first and results would be delivered at your doorstep by January 15."
The caravan of Soren consisting a dozen of vehicles moves to Palna village situated at the receiving end of the political boundary of Tamar and in terms of development also. Both Palna and Bhuiyadiha are close to each other and survive on tomato economy which is now staggering.
The wholesale markets of tomato sprawling on the flank of this national highway are the sole providers of tomato across the kitchens of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Delhi. But it has so far failed to carry prosperity for the farmers and suppliers. The reason as Dinesh Mahto cites constitutes as the main pole plank for the people. "The area is undeveloped so far, no facility to preserve and transport our goods has been provided by the Government so far…this time people should bargain," he says in an agitated tone.
People bargained with Soren for vote they would cast in his favour. The village head, Shivcharan Singh Munda, presents a set of demand including bridge over river Palna, supply of power, lift irrigation and facilities for the poor people.
Soren uses the occasion to shrug off his image as an outsider as non-panchparganiya. Here he addressed a gathering of nearly 100 villagers of all age and emphasised that he was not an outsider. "I fought for separate Jharkhand. Right now, I can not promise but assure that Tamar would see the light of development." How can Soren forget to pass homily. Two homilies at a time- one is political- another is all about social reform. "Do not waste your votes and abstain from form alcoholism…both are essential for your development." People nod in confirmation to the words of this leader who recently received the title of Jagat Guru from his followers.
Soren leaves for Rargaon village leaving behind a trail of thick dust. The dust would settle within two days, remark comes from a 55 years old villager, Madhav Oraon who recently developed an interest in politics. But more or less people are taking Soren seriously as a strong contender who could not be dismissed so easily. But for Vasundhara Munda, the situation is not as good as predicted earlier.
However, for AJSU workers who had been celebrating the birth anniversary of another martyr of the movement of separate Jharkhand at main road, January 8 would bring sorrow for Soren. AJSU supporters had a usual jeer at Soren when Soren entered in the village --- Bahar wala aa gaya vote mangne aa gaya (outsider has come to ask for votes). They also explained the intrinsic caste structure which to them was sure not to work in his favour. The village has the strong presence of AJSU and Jharkhand Party.
Soren is not wrong in his assurance. Let his political rivals Jharkhand Party and Janata Dal United blame him for violating the model code of conduct --- the electricity department has installed five such transformers within a day and power is supplied at least for 15 hours. It is a tactical move, Soren and his supporters seem to have learned that it was power supplied through these transformers, not the power of words that would decide the matter. But for a young man, Raja Peter, who is contesting as the nominee of the Jharkhand Party whom his followers gave a nomenclature: A native version of Robin Hood simply dismisses the presence of Soren. It is the Chief Minister who is fighting with all his administrative cronies, he says. He spares some time talk to this correspondent at Uluhatu where he was campaigning along with his followers; mostly youths.
He is in razor-edged fight with Soren, and Soren with his renewed vigour is enough to put Peter and his party on tenterhooks. One of his supporters, Sanjay at Dewari, who will cast his vote for the first time said: "Peter has concern for the people and he is one who comes to help the people, besides he is young."
At Babykund village, situated half kilometer away from Dewari temple where Peter used to reside till four years back people are united in their opinion. Message is loud- election would be interesting and very close.
But at Salgadih, there was a unique mixture of cricket with politics. Young boys in their 25s playing cricket here have no problem who wins the election. Whom will they vote? We will vote for the candidate who supplies us with cricket kitbag, it was a joint decision passed by them.
