The Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha (CMM) was a prominent social movement and political organization in the state of Chhattisgarh that played a critical role in the demand for the creation of a separate state from Madhya Pradesh. The movement was largely driven by the tribal and rural communities of the region, who felt politically and economically marginalized by the central and state governments.
Key Features of the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha (CMM):
- Formation and Leadership: The Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha was founded by Mahendra Karma in the 1980s. Karma, a prominent tribal leader, was instrumental in rallying local support for the cause of a separate state. The movement was initially focused on the economic and cultural neglect of the Chhattisgarh region, which was part of Madhya Pradesh before the formation of Chhattisgarh as a separate state in 2000.
- Grievances and Demands: The primary grievances of the CMM included the inadequate allocation of resources to the Chhattisgarh region, the exploitation of its natural resources (such as coal, bauxite, and iron ore) by the state government, and the neglect of tribal communities. These issues were seen as symptoms of the larger political and administrative marginalization of the region. The CMM demanded more local control over resources, development policies that were more attuned to the needs of the region, and greater political autonomy for the people of Chhattisgarh.
- Slogan and Agitation: The slogan “Chhattisgarh ko Chhattisgarh ke logon ka haq do” (Give the people of Chhattisgarh their rightful share) became the rallying cry for the movement. Over time, the movement gained substantial support from tribal communities, local farmers, and marginalized groups, who felt that the resources of the region were being exploited without adequate benefits to the local population.
- Split with the Indian National Congress: Initially, the CMM worked closely with the Indian National Congress (INC) in the 1980s and early 1990s. However, over time, disillusionment with the INC’s handling of state matters led to a split. The CMM became more assertive in its demand for statehood, and Mahendra Karma emerged as a key figure in the movement. He was deeply involved in both political activism and tribal welfare.
- Creation of Chhattisgarh: The movement ultimately succeeded in its goal of creating the state of Chhattisgarh on November 1, 2000, following the recommendation of the State Reorganization Commission and the demand for a separate state by the people of the region. The establishment of Chhattisgarh as a separate state allowed for more localized governance and development, though challenges remain in addressing the socio-economic disparities within the region.
- Post-Statehood Politics: After the creation of the state, the political and cultural identity of Chhattisgarh continued to evolve. The Congress Party, with its strong base in the tribal communities, remained a major political force in the new state. However, issues such as tribal rights, resource extraction, and economic development continue to shape the political discourse in the state.
Conclusion
Both the organization of backward castes and the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha reflect the dynamic nature of regional politics and identity in India. While backward caste organizations have played a significant role in mobilizing marginalized communities and advocating for affirmative action, movements like the CMM highlight the significance of regional and tribal issues in shaping India’s federal structure. These movements underscore the importance of addressing social, cultural, and economic inequalities in fostering inclusive growth and political representation for marginalized groups.