TRIBAL VOTES SHIFT SIGNIFICANTLY IN 2024 ELECTIONS

Why in the news?

Priyanka Jarkiholi’s historic win in Chikodi and the broader shift in tribal votes across India highlight significant changes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with notable gains for Congress.

TRIBAL VOTES SHIFT SIGNIFICANTLY IN 2024 ELECTIONS - UPSCsource:jagranjosh

About Historic Win of Priyanka Jarkiholi:

  • Election Achievement: Priyanka Jarkiholi, a tribal woman, won the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Chikkodi, Karnataka, securing 2% of the vote.
  • Demographics: Chikkodi has a tribal population of only 5%, with significant Dalit (15%) and Muslim (10%) Jarkiholi’s victory is notable against the dominant Lingayat community.
  • Broader Impact: Her win reflects a significant shift in tribal votes across the country.

Tribal Vote Trends in 2024:

  • Congress Gains: Congress won 12 ST reserved seats in 2024, up from 4 in 2019, with a vote share increase to 1%. BJP lost 6 seats, maintaining a 42.6% vote share.
  • Fragmented Support: Tribal votes varied across states; Congress saw gains in J&K, Goa, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, while BJP performed well in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.
  • Even Split: In states like Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand, tribal votes were evenly split between Congress and BJP.

Prominent Tribal Leaders Elected:

  • Elected Leaders: Notable tribal leaders include Jasvantsinh Bhabhor (Gujarat), Parbhubhai Vasava (Gujarat), Faggan Singh Kulaste (Madhya Pradesh), Jual Oram (Odisha), and Murari Lal Meena (Rajasthan).
  • Reserved Seats: These leaders represent various states and parties from ST reserved constituencies, highlighting a trend in tribal representation.
Key Facts about  Priyanka Jarkiholi:

  • Election Result: Priyanka Jarkiholi (Congress) defeated Annasaheb Jolle (BJP) in Chikkodi district.
  • Significance: Important win as BJP had dominated Mumbai-Karnataka area, winning all but one seat.

Background:

  • Family: Comes from a politically influential family.
  • Business Interests: Holds shares in tourism, sugar, mining, and infrastructure sectors.
  • Education: MBA holder.
  • Political Views: Advocates for increased female participation in politics and government.
  • Personal Belief: Women should demonstrate their capabilities through their work.