Election fever is gripping Jharkhand with byelections to Dumka and Bermo Assembly constituencies on November 3. Ahead of the byelections, a group of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha central committee members wrote to Hemant Soren on Sunday, urging him to convene a special session of the state Assembly soon and pass a resolution to implement Sarna code. Post that they want a proposal sent to the Centre demanding that it should be included in the 2021 nationwide census. The signatories of the letter include several district party presidents too. The letter says that between 1871 to 1951, tribals used to select Sarna column as their religion but that option was removed from the 1961-62 census.
Tribals in Jharkhand have not been holding back from pushing their demand for a separate Sarna code. Over past few days, protests have bene held throughout the state including capital Ranchi. With tribals intensifying their stir, JMM’s move could be an attempt to calm them down. Tribals, currently included as Hindus, Christians or Muslims in the census without a separate column for their distinct religion have been demanding for a separate sarna code, also known as religion code, to retain a separate identity.
The Hemant Soren led JMM-Congress-RJD alliance government had promised to work towards a Sarna code in its manifesto but had not taken any formal step yet. They have backed the latest demand, pushed by few members who want a special session of the Assembly convened.
