When tribes are in demand

As the State gears up for native physique polls, political events have began focussing on tribal folks in Wayanad district, a significant tribal-populated space in the State.

The Left Democratic Front, United Democratic Front, and the National Democratic Alliance are eyeing tribal communities, which represent round 19% of the inhabitants and may affect the result in a big variety of seats.

According to a current survey, the tribal inhabitants of Wayanad consists of 11 tribes and accounts for 1,51,443 folks of the whole inhabitants of 8,17,429.

The tribal inhabitants includes 69,116 Paniyas, adopted by 25,266 Kurichyas, and 20,983 Mulla Kurumas.

The Kurichyas and Mulla Kurumas, extra socially and economically superior among the many tribes, are capable of dictate their stance and act as a stress group, due to the comparatively larger literacy charge and requirements of residing among the many tribes. Moreover, a lot of the contestants are from both of the sects.

However, tribal sects corresponding to Paniyas, Kattunayakkas, Oorali Kurumas and Adiyas are nonetheless in an ‘identity crisis’ owing to the their plight and low illiteracy charge. Hence, political events give attention to them, particularly the Paniyas, throughout elections.

Earlier, colony pidutham (influencing voters in a tribal colony offering cash or liquor ) was a ordinary scene, however with extra tribespeople changing into politicly conscious after agitations for land, the apply has disappeared in tribal hamlets. The stringent steps adopted by the Election Commission have additionally helped to eradicate the apply.

Lack of services

According to the Tribal Development Department, greater than 3,000 tribal households are landless and 5,000 households homeless. Hundreds of tribal households in distant areas of the district are nonetheless disadvantaged of primary facilities corresponding to roads, ingesting water, and electrical energy connection. These points shall be highlighted as soon as once more throughout the elections.

Candidates of impartial tribal organisations such because the Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha are not contesting this time, M. Geethanandan, State coordinator of the organisation, mentioned. “However we are planning to support tribal candidates who will contest independently,” he mentioned.