In Sundargarh, tribal candidates campaign in a rhythmic manner

To appeal to the tribal electorate, candidates are engaging in traditional dancing and celebrations in the lead-up to the Sundargarh district elections.

Traditional dancing, singing, eating, and celebration are all part of the everyday rural life in the tribal-dominated territory. Furthermore, tribal candidates in the majority of ST seats are doing all in their power to appeal to the impoverished rural people in order to earn their support.

A tribal tribe welcomed BJD’s Sundargarh Lok Sabha candidate and hockey legend Dilip Tirkey as well as MLA nominee Jogesh Singh from the same seat on Tuesday at Bhalubahal hamlet with a traditional dance and drum banging. Singh took hold of a traditional drum and began to play it as Tirkey joined the group of dancers to shake a leg with the indigenous ladies.

According to Tirkey, music and dance are fundamental components of tribal customs and culture. He said, “I felt happy campaigning to strengthen the electoral prospects of BJD and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while participating in the tradition.” Singh also expressed a similar opinion.

Jual Oram, a former federal minister and BJP contender for Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat, was seen leading a tribal dancing ensemble and pounding a traditional drum a day ago to applause from the audience. Oram said that since he comes from a tribal background, he is deeply rooted in indigenous culture and customs. “We celebrate elections, a festival of democracy, with traditional dance, music, communal dining, and good cheer.” It forges a connection, he continued.

Kusum Tete, a sitting BJP MLA from Sundargarh, and her opponent Shankar Oram, a candidate from Birmitrapur, who is also running for reelection, said that celebrations in tribal cultures include dancing, music, and eating. To keep in touch and make the tribal voters pleased, they join them throughout the campaign.

With over 15.67 lakh voters, Sundargarh has a population that is over 50% tribal. Scheduled Tribes are entitled to the Sundargarh LS seat as well as the Sundargarh, Talsara, Rajgangpur, Birmitrapur, and Bonai Assembly seats. The Raghunath (RN) Pali section that connects the Rourkela Assembly seat is reserved for Scheduled Castes, while the other seats are open.

According to tribal campaigner Manilal Kerketta, most indigenous people are naive and easily duped. They generally have the trait of having faith in politicians that they naturally connect with. But after decades of misinformation, the majority indigenous population is suddenly voting with more political awareness and deliberation. Thus, he said, politicians should not foster the false belief that interacting with tribal people before to elections would ensure their victory.