The first cabinet decision of the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand, elected to office in December, was to withdraw the cases related to the Pathalgadi movement. However, the murder of seven persons in West Singhbhum, allegedly by members of the Pathalgadi movement, has forced the government on the defensive. It advocated a soft approach towards the Pathalgadi movement and promised to withdraw cases against people associated with it. That the JMM agenda resonated with the adivasi population is evident from it sweeping the tribal belt in the assembly poll. The Pathalgadi movement can be a corrective force in Jharkhand politics and reshape the state’s development priorities.

Source: Indian Express January 23, 2020 18:33 UTC