Shimla/Keylong/Reckong Peo– Ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for February 27, the tribal communities of Himachal Pradesh are rallying behind the demand for a tribal candidate to represent their interests in Parliament.
The tribal population of Himachal Pradesh, residing predominantly in Pangi Bharmour in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur districts, comprising over 39.23 percent of the area, has been vocal about the need for representation in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
"We live in the toughest terrain in the world, guarded borders and protected ecology and natural resources but we are being denied a cake of power in Indian union, they told HimbuMail.
They have been facing issues of climate change, trash crisis and the other concerns but none of tribals got an opportunity to voice their concerns in Parliament, except twice about 24 years ago.
First and the last tribal representative from the state in the Rajya Sabha was Sushil Barongpa, 2 4years ago from 1988 to 2000.
Expressing frustration over the lack of representation, tribal leaders have pointed out the presence of capable bureaucrats and eminent social leaders within their communities who could effectively voice tribal concerns in the Parliament in New Delhi.
Amidst discussions about potential candidates, the tribal community has urged the Sukhu government to prioritize a tribal candidate this time around. However, there are speculations that the Sukhu government and the Congress party may opt to nominate leaders of national stature, such as Sonia Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi, who recently acquired a residence in Shimla.
Despite these considerations, tribal representatives remain steadfast in their call for a tribal candidate, emphasizing the importance of addressing the unique issues and challenges faced by the tribal population of Himachal Pradesh at the national level.
As as far has Lok sabha is concerned, tribals of Himachal fall in Mandi constituency, but the seat is always dominated by the 'royals' from both Congress and BJP: late six-time CM Virbhadra Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh, Late Sukh Ram from Congress and Maheshwar Singh, late Ram Swarup, a High caste Brahmin from BJP in the past.
If BJP and Congress can't spare Lok sabha seat for tribals, they can at least give Rajya Sabha seat once in 20 years to Tribals, tribals told HimbuMail.
BJP claims that they have Gaddi tribal leader Kishan kapoor a Lok Sabha MP from Kangra Lok sabha seat for many terms including the present one. It is Congress which shies away from fielding tribal candidates, they say.
Their talks of empowering tribals sound hollow and misleading as when it comes to real thing of handing power to tribals, both parties retract.
These parties need to do some soul searching.
