Tezpur (Assam), March 10 Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren appealed to the tribal community of Assam to exercise their democratic rights responsibly in the upcoming assembly elections on Tuesday.
Soren addressed a public rally in the Biswanath district, where the newly-formed Jai Bharat Party (JBP) announced an alliance with his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to contest around 40 seats in the elections.
He said that when the poor and marginalized people unite, no force can suppress their voice.
He also raised concerns over the rising prices of essential commodities, including cooking gas and daily necessities, saying that inflation affects ordinary families the most.
Highlighting the importance of democratic participation, Soren urged people to exercise their voting rights responsibly, noting that even a single vote can determine whether a leader gains or loses power in a democracy.
"Our tribal communities have a long history of courage and resilience, and they have never bowed before injustice. I call upon all of you to remain united and fight for your rights through both political and constitutional means," he said.
Referring to the slogan 'Abua Disum, Abua Raj' (Our Land, Our Rule), Soren said the vision reflects the aspirations of tribal communities to protect their rights, dignity, and identity as the original inhabitants of the land.
He urged tribal communities to stand together on a single platform to secure justice, dignity, and a better future, expressing confidence that unity and determination would bring meaningful change in the coming days.
The elections for the 126-member assembly are expected to be held in April.
JBP president Teharu Gour said his party and JMM will together contest around 40 seats.
"We are confident that the parties will secure victories in several seats," he said.