Date : 20/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2- Polity - Democracy ( also relevant for GS Paper 3- security)

Keywords: Maoist insurgency, Jantana Sarkar, PESA Act 1996, Tribal Aspirations

Context-

• The recently concluded Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh underscore the intricate relationship between tribal votes and political dynamics in the state. With a substantial 34% vote share, the tribal population's allegiance often determines the ruling party.
• However, amidst these political calculations, the Maoist insurgency, particularly rampant in Bastar, remains a formidable challenge. The post-election scenario emphasizes the critical role of grassroots democracy in countering Maoist influence.

Background:

Naxalism or maoist insurgency began in 1967 in Naxalbari, West Bengal, stemming from a land dispute where peasants rebelled against local landlords. Led by qKanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal, the movement aimed for equitable land redistribution. Originating in West Bengal, it spread to less developed areas in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Naxals align with Maoist ideology, advocating for state power through armed insurgency, mass mobilization, and strategic alliances.

Democracy in Maoist-affected Regions

• Maoist-affected regions, such as Bijapur and Konta, witnessed alarmingly low voter turnout, raising concerns about the efficacy of democracy in areas marred by insurgency.
• The dismal participation, reported at 3% to 4%, reflects the prevailing challenges and violence associated with Maoist strongholds, designated as Schedule Five areas.
• This analysis prompts a crucial exploration of the multifaceted issues influencing the democratic process in the context of the Maoist conundrum.

Maoist Perspective on Democracy

• The Maoist insurgency, claiming to champion the people's cause against the state, paradoxically coerces the very population it purports to represent into shunning the democratic process.
• This forced disengagement is aimed at perpetuating the illusion that Maoists stand for the people's empowerment.
• This raises questions about the sustainability of Maoist strategies, particularly the establishment of a parallel government known as 'jantana sarkar,' and highlights the discrepancy between Maoist rhetoric and the local population's awareness.

Disillusionment and Mass Participation

• Analyzing recent trends, this shift raises pertinent questions about the efficacy of state efforts to inspire confidence among tribal communities and the need for a nuanced approach to address underlying issues contributing to electoral disengagement.

Religion-based Conversions and Manufactured Agendas

• Election issues about tribal concerns, particularly religion-based conversions, emerge as pivotal themes. This analysis critically evaluates the notion of religion-based conversions as a "manufactured agenda" employed by political players.
• It challenges the legitimacy of such issues and emphasizes the necessity of addressing fundamental concerns rather than succumbing to diversionary tactics.

PESA Act: Unfulfilled Promise and Maoist Exploitation

• Shifting the focus to policy frameworks, the analysis highlights the unfulfilled potential of the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), enacted in 1996.
• Despite its envisioned role in empowering gram sabhas to govern socio-economic aspects in tribal communities, none of the state governments has implemented the Act in its true spirit.
• This legislative gap has provided a foothold for Maoists to exploit tribal grievances and strengthen their influence through the 'jantana sarkar.'

Challenges in Addressing Maoist Influence:

• The analysis contends that addressing the Maoist challenge goes beyond conventional approaches centered on security and development.
• It emphasizes the need to nurture tribal leadership, providing a platform for their voices in the democratic process.
• It argues that fostering democracy at the grassroots level, tailored to recognize tribal aspirations, is pivotal in countering Maoist influence.
• The analysis underscores the importance of a multifaceted strategy that calls out the Maoists' purported championing of tribal causes while simultaneously empowering local leadership.

Steps taken by Government:

• Empowering Tribals through PESA Implementation: Advocating for the robust implementation of the PESA Act as a transformative measure to mainstream tribal communities, the analysis contends that a sincere execution of PESA could serve as a potent tool to render the Maoists irrelevant, especially as their influence is gradually diminishing.
• Tribal Aspirations, Awareness, and Dignity: Amidst these policy discussions, the analysis acknowledges the heightened awareness and aspirations among tribal communities. The Pathalgadi movement in Jharkhand is cited as an example where tribals assert their rights and resist perceived injustices. This asserts that tribal populations increasingly demand their constitutionally guaranteed rights under the umbrella of dignity, signaling a paradigm shift in tribal consciousness.
• Operation Green Hunt (2010): Launched in 2010, it witnessed a significant deployment of security forces in naxal-affected regions. Over twelve years, the number of affected districts decreased from 223 to 90.
• Aspirational Districts Programme (2018): Initiated in 2018, this program aims to rapidly transform districts with relatively slower progress in key social areas, contributing to overall development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the examination of post-election dynamics in Maoist-affected regions underscores the urgency of fortifying grassroots democracy as a potent weapon against insurgency. The alarming voter turnout in areas marred by Maoist influence prompts a reevaluation of state strategies. The paradoxical stance of Maoists coercing disengagement from the democratic process, while claiming to champion the people's cause, unveils the need for a nuanced response.

Critical issues such as religion-based conversions and the unfulfilled promises of the PESA Act serve as focal points for policy discourse. Addressing underlying concerns, rather than succumbing to manufactured agendas, emerges as a prerequisite for sustainable democratic development. The advocacy for robust PESA implementation as a transformative measure echoes the potential to render Maoists irrelevant, aligning with the evolving consciousness and aspirations of tribal communities.

Crucially, the analysis contends that countering Maoist influence necessitates a multifaceted strategy beyond conventional security-centric approaches. Fostering tribal leadership, empowering local voices, and nurturing democracy at the grassroots level become pivotal elements in this strategic imperative. As democratic institutions adapt and recognize tribal aspirations, they can emerge as resilient bulwarks against Maoist insurgency, upholding the fundamental principles of democracy while ensuring long-term stability in these sensitive regions. The call for democratic empowerment echoes beyond immediate concerns, pointing towards a sustained, inclusive, and transformative path forward.

Source- The Hindu