1 2 3 Salumber: Nestled in rugged hills, Salumber assembly constituency is witnessing a vibrant mix of natural beauty and political energy as the bypoll date draws closer. A good monsoon has ensured water flowing through the anicuts, and farmers are busy preparing for the winter crops. Yet they are excited about the Nov 13 bypoll, which is going to be the third election in this constituency in a year, and voter loyalties are now well mapped across villages and communities.
The traditional tribal and non-tribal divide has defined the bypoll race as BJP and Congress, facing off against Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), focus heavily on Salumber's non-tribal pockets. BJP legislator Amritlal Meena's death has necessitated the bypoll in this ST-reserved constituency. BJP has fielded Meena's widow, Shanta Devi, hoping to garner sympathy votes.
After initial vibes seemed underwhelming, the party shifted strategy with targeted outreach. With RSS support, BJP has now anchored its strategy in door-to-door campaigns and closed-door gatherings, focusing on non-tribals' fears about potential law and order shifts under BAP influence. TOI caught up with an RSS team at octogenarian Dhanji Dangi's house on the outskirts of Sarada town.
"Did you see how BAP-linked youths caused unrest during Diwali? Don't forget the Kakri Doongri incident of 2021, where violence affected non-tribal residents," said Suresh, a local organiser, with a gathering of elders seated on charpoys (traditional wooden beds). BJ.
