Modi wave is an illusion in Santhal Pargana: Shibu

JMM patriarch Shibu Soren refuses to be written off. The ailing septugenarian still stands tall among the tribals of Santhal Pargana. A man of few words, Shibu connects with the people by listening to them. As three seats in Santhal Pargana go to the polls on Sunday, the eight-time MP and three-time CM talks to TOI’s Avik Roy and ASRP Mukesh on a wide range of issues.
As a veteran parliamentarian, how do you look at the state of affairs in Jharkhand as well as in India?
A: The idea with which the state was carved out remains unachieved and the new generation has to continue with the struggle. The manner in which the current dispensation is treating the marginalized, oppressed, adivasis, Dalits and minority communities is not good for the state or the country.
You have been the face of the movement for a separate state. Hos has Jharkhand done in 19 years since its birth?
A: Apko jitna uchai bujhata hain. (As high as you perceive it to be). The state once had mahajani pratha (the practice of money lending) and I ended that practice. There was a time when bureaucrats wouldn’t go to villages and now many tribals hold important position in government offices.
Did you face any hardships and challenges during your statehood struggle?
A: I started the revolution for a separate state for tribals when I was 13. I was tortured by police, jailed and there were threats to my life. This state was born out of a lot of struggle and sacrifice.
How do you assess PM Narendra Modi, who is aiming for a second term by making development and national security his poll plank?
A: Modi can claim anything he wants, but whatever he says won’t make any difference in Santhal Pargana. There is no Modi wave here, it is an illusion created by the media. PM toh jumlebaazo ke badshah hain (The PM is the king of theatrics).
How many seats will the mahagathbandhan win in Jharkhand?
A: I cannot predict the exact number, but I can assure we will secure the maximum number of constituencies in the state.
As an architect of Jharkhand, what is your message for the people of the state?
A: (Frowns) Sandesh kya dena hain? Vote do, bas… (What message? Just give me your vote). I have nothing new to tell the people of this region. They know me well. I work for the people and will continue to do so.
Why have adivasis fallen behind in every front even as they have a separate state for tribals and a tall leader like you?
A: Samay hain. Samay ka takaja hai. Jo log pehle se advanced hai, woh toh advanced hoga hi. The tribals have always remained marginalized and at a disadvantageous position as compared to the upper caste communities who enjoy a lot of privilege in the society. The advanced never wanted the marginalised to come at par with them. But the time for the tribals have come. They will rise up to the occasion. We (tribals) cannot be extorted anymore.
But the youths of your constituency as well as your political opponents say you have failed to bring any development in the region despite being an MP for 40 years.
A: Didn’t you see the road which you took to come here. Go to the airport and see for yourself. How has the AIIMS that has been set up in Santhal Parganas come up? We set the ground for those projects.In logo ko toh paka-pakaya chizo ko khane ki aadat hai. Yeh log toh sirf usme nameplate lagane ki kaam kar rahein hain. Our critics have the tendency to stake claim for what has never been theirs.
You will face Sunil Soren (of BJP) as your opponent in the election on May 19. Sunil was once your disciple. How do you see his chances?
A: So what? It is an election. Anybody can contest against anyone. Baap bete ke khilaf khada ho sakta hai…Dronacharya ne Arjun ke khilaf lada tha (A father can contest against his son. In Mahabharata, Dronacharya fought Arjun). Let, him take on Shibu Soren if he thinks he is up for it. If he is contesting against me that means he has something to say against me. The elections is the platform to do that.
You style of campaigning is different from other leaders. You throw your house open to meet people and give them a patient hearing.
A: I believe in connecting with the hearts of the people. I won’t command respect of the people if I don’t stay near them.
Many say you will walk into the sunset after the elections.
A: Jab tak zinda hoon tab tak iss rajya ko koi buri nazar se nahin dekh sakta! I will fight as long as I am alive. I won’t back down.