Pranab Doley has announced his candidature as an independent candidate from Bokakhat legislative constituency in Assam. As his campaign took roots and spread across the constituency bordering Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve over the last couple of months, Mahajot, an alliance of Congress(I), All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Left parties in Assam, offered their support.
Doley is facing Assam state agriculture minister and the sitting member of legislative assembly from Bokakhat, Atul Bora, who also leads Asom Gana Parishad. Other contenders include Jiten Gogoi, a former MLA from Bokakhat and Jibon Borah, who is supported by Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal.
The Wire caught up with Pranab Doley on March 9, after he submitted his nomination papers to the polling officials in Bokakhat to talk about his journey towards electoral politics and issues he is raising in this election.
Can you describe under what circumstances you decided to stand for the Assam assembly elections this year?
As a political worker and activist belonging to the Mising community, my life has always revolved around the struggles and smiles of the people living in adjacent villages of Brahmaputra and Kaziranga. I worked hard to become a first-generation learner and scholar, first from Visva Bharati University, and then Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Through my academic journey, I have learned through lived experiences of different communities across the country. My learnings, experiences and understanding led me and others to establish Jeepal Krishak Sramik Sangha, a grassroots organisation working towards resolving farmers’ and workers’ issues.
Pranab Doley (centre). Photo: Special arrangement.
Our efforts and struggles to stand by the people have been deterred by authoritarian pressure, which also included a few jail terms based on false charges against me and my people. As government policy decisions involve protecting our rights, we need to be part of the decision-making process. Therefore, it was a collective decision to participate in the electoral process.
Also read: Armed Police Barged Into House Day After I Announced Candidature,’ Says Assam Activist
Can you tell us more about your election campaign? How are you reaching to people? How are they supporting you?
Our campaign at the constituency is a very organic, grassroots and people-run campaign. With a determination to change the political scenario of Bokakhat, people are raising election resources on their own through weaving and cultivation. Our farmers from 12 villages set aside 100 bigha of land for paddy and vegetable cultivation as their contribution to the election campaign. On the other hand, our well-wishers from across the country also contributed to the campaign. And this preparation has been going on since October.
For the first time in the history of Bokakhat, the people have a candidate that completely portrays their desires for change and for their progress into a newer horizon, a person from among them who symbolises their marginalisation and desire to overcome it. Besides, there is a strong community that backs up the candidature with strong sense of solidarity with the other marginalised groups in the constituency. The constituency as a backward area comprises more than 80% peoples below poverty line.
Farmers have set aside a 100-acre field to fund Pranab Doley’s election campaign. Photo: Special arrangement.
What are some of the issues you are raising in the upcoming elections?
Our campaign is aimed at achieving justice for the historic marginalisation of the people of the Bokakhat. We are raising important questions on ownership of land vis-a-vis their relationship with Kaziranga Wildlife reserve and its expansion. Our people want the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (2006) so that long pending questions of equitable distribution of land and other resources can be resolved.
Further, safeguarding Bokakhat’s lands being eroded rapidly by the river system of Brahmaputra is an important part of our campaign. The constituency needs robust flood management and mitigation system. Once elected, we plan to implement the above-mentioned measures.
You declared yourself as an independent candidate. Mahajot has now supported you in Bokakhat. What are your thoughts on this?
Representing the needs and concerns of the people of Bokakhat, respecting their sentiments, I am contesting as an independent candidate. However, progressive forces came together to support this resolution, knowing the strength we have. By standing with us, Mahajot has definitely shown respect for the decision of the people of Bokakhat. We are grateful and assured of victory as collectively we will fight against injustice and authoritarian and divisive politics.
Also read: ‘Modi Magic Will Not Work This Time in Assam’: AJP’s Jagadish Bhuyan
Could you list some of the earlier campaigns and causes that you have been associated with?
As a founding member of Jeepal Krisak Sramik Sangha – a mass organisation – we have been leading land and farmers’ rights movements and workers’ struggle against injustice in the region. The following are a few successful examples:
› Brought global attention to largescale human rights violations (including shoot-at-sight practice by the forest department in suspicion of poaching) around Kaziranga National Park, and held authorities concerned responsible and ensured compensation in many cases.
› Highlighted acts of gender violence against women from marginalised sections in the region, which spurred a movement opening up spaces for dialogues on gender-based discrimination and violence.
› Led successful struggles, for fair compensation and rehabilitation of displacement-affected communities under Asian Development Bank-funded embankment; against the plan to evict the inhabitants of Panbari cooperative limited; against Assam government for proper disbursal of state disaster relief fund and ex-gratia fund for deaths due to heavy floods in Bokakhat.