Tribal-dalit collective drops plan to field independent in Mananthavady

Kozhikode: Collective of adivasi and dalit organisations including Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha (AGMS) has decided to withdraw its earlier plan to field an independent candidate in Mananthavady constituency in assembly elections.AGMS and various groups including Ambedkarite Democratic Front has announced support for UDF, including in all the three constituencies of Wayanad.AGMS coordinator M Geethanandan said they have submitted a charter of demands focusing on dalit and adivasi issues to UDF leadership which has assured that it will be considered.At the same time, the organisations however said that despite the presence of eligible candidates from tribal communities such as Paniya, Adiya, Kattunayakan and Vettakuruma, both the left and right fronts have consistently sidelined them while selecting ST candidates in Wayanad.They said the decision to drop the plan for an independent candidate was influenced by the early announcement of election schedule and lack of adequate time for preparations. They said they do not want to miss the opportunity to politically challenge the 10-year-long continuity in power which had undermined dalit and adivasi rights.Organisations levelled a series of allegations against Left govt, including alleged underutilisation of Rs 7,411 crore in SC/ST development funds, disruption of e-grantz distribution for students and delays in rehabilitation for nearly 500 tribal families affected by landslides and floods. They also alleged lack of land rights, housing, employment and proper educational support for tribal communities.