Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren addresses 21st Adivasi Mahasabha-2026 in Assam, calls for unity and rights of tribal communities

He said he had come from Jharkhand to listen firsthand to the sufferings, atrocities and pain faced by Adivasi and indigenous communities from Jharkhand who are earning their livelihoods in Assam, adding that their historical connection with Jharkhand runs deep.

Recalling history, CM Soren said that even before the nation dreamt of Independence, Jharkhand’s ancestors were fighting the British. He underlined the immense contribution of Birsa Munda, Sidho-Kanhu, Tilka Manjhi and countless other martyrs from Jharkhand to India’s freedom struggle, sacrifices that can never be forgotten.

He said these heroes laid down their lives to protect future generations and to safeguard jal, jangal and zameen (water, forests and land). The tribal community, he said, was the first to confront British colonial rule. The Chief Minister questioned why, despite such a legacy, Adivasi communities across the country are still struggling for their rights and recognition, often being pushed to the margins of society. He called for serious reflection on the circumstances that have forced Adivasi, Moolvasi, Dalit and backward communities—among the most vulnerable sections of society—to become fragmented and isolated.

On the occasion, CM Soren paid tributes to senior Assam Adivasi leader late Pradeep Nag and renowned singer late Zubeen Garg, remembering their contributions with respect.

Taking Welfare Schemes to Every Household

The Chief Minister said that even after 75 years of Independence, and despite constitutional safeguards, tribal society continues to face social, economic and intellectual challenges. He noted that powerful and feudal mindsets often exploit these weaknesses. Recalling the vision of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, CM Soren said that when the demand for a separate Jharkhand state was raised, many had mocked the idea. However, in 2000, Jharkhand became a reality after decades of struggle to protect land, forests and identity, even in times when people had no modern means of communication or transport.

He said that although the state was formed with the hope of tribal development, for over 15 years Jharkhand was pushed backward, leading to widespread poverty and hunger. CM Soren said that his government undertook grassroots outreach—reaching blocks, villages and hamlets—to raise awareness, after which people entrusted them with the responsibility of governance.

Within five years, the government worked to change the situation, successfully delivering welfare schemes to the poor, oppressed and tribal communities, including those who had never seen district or block offices or interacted with officials like BDOs, COs, DCs or SPs.

Struggle for Rights and Assurance of Support

CM Soren said that Adivasis across the country are fighting for their rights, identity and recognition, while some who claim to be their well-wishers are actually working to marginalise them. He said such forces fear that once tribal communities become economically and intellectually strong, they will assert their rightful claims over resources and land.

The Chief Minister assured that the entire tribal society of Jharkhand will stand with Adivasis living in Assam whenever support is needed. He emphasised that unity has always been the strength of tribal society and that solidarity among all communities—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians—strengthens the nation, though this unity has been repeatedly attacked by vested interests.

Women Empowerment and Jharkhand’s Development Model

Highlighting Jharkhand’s contribution to the national economy, CM Soren said the state has given a lot to the country and now deserves fair returns for its people. He said the government is working with improved systems to ensure the right value of Jharkhand’s resources. He noted with pride that for the first time, Jharkhand made a historic presence at the World Economic Forum annual meeting under the leadership of a tribal Chief Minister, taking the state’s voice to the global stage.

CM Soren said his government has empowered half of the state’s population—women—by putting them on the path of self-reliance. Under the Chief Minister Maiyaan Samman Yojana, around 55 lakh women receive ₹2,500 every month directly into their bank accounts, a benefit that has been provided continuously for the past two years. He added that Jharkhand’s development model is now being replicated by other states. The Chief Minister also spoke about ambitious schemes for youth, including education loans of up to ₹15 lakh without any guarantee for higher studies.

The event was attended by Minister Chamra Linda, MP Vijay Hansda, MLA Md. Tajuddin alias MT Raja, ASSAA Central Committee President Rejan Horo, Vice President David Tirkey, Amarjeet Kerketta, Albert Oriya, other ASSAA members, and a large number of women, men, youth and children from tribal communities who had gathered from across Assam.