In Bengal’s tribal belt, the Kudmi factor keeps the race wide open
Indian Express·2h ago·Hope
What Happened
In Purulia district's Joypur constituency, the Kudmi community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status is influencing voter behavior. With an estimated 50 lakh population claiming influence over 30 Assembly seats, Kudmis seek recognition after historical exclusion from the 1931 Census onwards. The BJP fielded a Kudmi leader's son, while voters cite governance gaps in water, jobs, and infrastructure as pressing concerns.
Key Entities
Purulia districtJoypur constituencyKudmi communityBJPTMCBiswajit MahatoAjit MahatoScheduled Tribe statusKurmali languageChotanagpur region